Walmart scales down its DEI programs amid conservative pressure

America’s largest private employer, Walmart, announced rolling back certain aspects of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs as conservative boycotts and backlash have grown in the past year.

Changes include discontinuing the use of terms like “DEI” and “Latinx” from its communications, ending some training partnerships, and doing away with race and gender considerations in supplier selection.

Walmart also plans to exit LGBTQ+ equality ratings and limit sponsorship of community events like Pride and drag shows. It stopped sharing data with the Human Rights Campaign, a leading LGBTQ+ policy tracker.

Additionally, some third-party merchants will be prohibited from selling certain LGBTQ+-themed products marketed to children.

The decision reflects broader corporate concerns over legal risks (especially after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling against race-conscious college admissions) and consumer boycotts led by anti-DEI activist and social media influencer Robby Starbuck.

Critics warn Walmart’s rollback could harm efforts to recruit and retain diverse talent, while supporters claim it prevents discrimination against nonminorities.

The move aligns with corporations anticipating political shifts, including Donald Trump’s return to office.

Walmart joins companies, including Ford, John Deere, Jack Daniel’s, Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply, that have recently cut back on their DEI policies. However, the retailer is the largest US corporation to dial back on these policies.

As political momentum against DEI grows, Walmart’s shift highlights the growing tension companies face. Despite the conservative backlash, 60% of Americans support DEI programs, per a Washington Post-Ipsos poll.