Companies, including PwC, JPMorgan and McKinsey, are using less specific language about diversity and opening programs to everyone
The recent move by Tractor Supply gives a glimpse into an increasingly common trend among corporations. Companies that once focused on hiring diverse employees are now stepping back from these efforts.
An April study from Glassdoor found that access to diversity programs is on the decline since it peaked in 2021 after George Floyd’s death and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Major firms, including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and JPMorgan Chase, have changed their diversity programs in response to an “anti-woke” movement and a Supreme Court decision against affirmative action in colleges, per the Wall Street Journal.
Corporations are also quietly making policies, using less specific language about diversity and opening programs to everyone.
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PwC’s Start internship, which used to be only for minority students, now encourages diverse applicants but is open to all.
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McKinsey & Co. and law firm Kirkland & Ellis have removed specific diversity requirements from their programs.
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JPMorgan now says its fellowships for Black and Hispanic students are open to all sophomores.
Several minority students are worried about these changes, especially considering a tough job market.
It’s still unclear how these changes will affect workplace diversity. Some people who felt excluded by these programs might welcome the changes, but many minority job seekers fear it will make it harder to find internships and jobs.