Programs aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment in workplaces and other institutions have been under attack by many Republican lawmakers — many of whom argue that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have the opposite effect.
However, these initiatives, implemented in workplaces, educational settings, or government agencies, are designed to address inequities against historically marginalized groups within an organization or work setting.
Advocates say DEI policies are important in supporting Black and brown people, members of the LGBTQ community, and other minority groups.
Political debates in the United States over DEI have resurfaced, following scrutiny over its effectiveness and President-elect Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 presidential election. This has led major corporations to suspend DEI policies due to pressure from some conservatives.
Walmart pushes back against DEI
Walmart, which employs around 1.6 million workers in the U.S., is the latest large company to follow suit.
They recently announced a rollback of several DEI initiatives, including not renewing their commitment to a racial equity center and pulling out of the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, according to several reports.
Walmart will no longer consider race and gender in supplier contracts or collect demographic data for financing eligibility. Plus, the company says it will reduce racial equity training, monitor items to ensure transgender products aren’t targeted at minors, as well as review its support for Pride and other events, according to The Associated Press.
That would include chest binders aimed at kids who are going through a gender change, the company added.
“We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers and suppliers and to be a Walmart for everyone,” the company said, as reported by the AP.
Policy changes stir debate
Proponents of DEI argue that such programs are cornerstones of creating a balanced and fair society. They have been used to eliminate barriers to the full participation of underrepresented groups, creating environments where every individual feels welcome and supported.
On the other hand, Republicans argue that DEI programs, while well-intentioned, often lead to divisiveness and inefficiency. They claim these initiatives can sometimes prioritize identity over merit.
Opponents within the GOP have introduced numerous bills across various states to restrict or defund DEI efforts, citing concerns about discrimination.
A Walmart spokesperson told AP that some policy changes have been in progress for a while. For example, the company has been shifting from using the term DEI to “belonging” in job titles and communications. Additionally, it started revising its supplier program after the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling.
A Walmart official explained the company’s recent decision to roll back DEI policies, saying it is designed to “ensure every customer, every associate” feels welcome and like they belong.
“What we’re trying to do is to ensure that every customer, every associate feels welcome here to shop. And to feel like they belong,” John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., said in an interview with CBS.
“We’re going to continue to make the best decisions we can that makes everyone – our customers, our associates – feel like this is an environment they can shop in and thrive in.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett blasts Republicans
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas slammed Republicans who claimed DEI efforts are oppressive and discriminatory, even though the policies are intended to foster inclusion.
A bill titled the Dismantle DEI Act recently cleared a House committee. The bill was introduced by GOP Rep. Michael Cloud of Texas.
In a press release, Cloud called DEI policies divisive.
“DEI programs masquerade as fairness while instead fostering division, inefficiency, and discrimination in our institutions. They waste taxpayer dollars and undermine the merit-based principles that have made America strong,” Cloud said in a statement.
“The Dismantle DEI Act takes aim at this harmful ideology and will root it out of our government, ensuring our institutions focus on the mission of serving the American people efficiently and effectively.”
At the committee meeting, Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., repeatedly called DEI policies oppressive.
However, Crockett, a civil rights attorney, argued that white men in America have never faced oppression.
“It seems you don’t understand the definition of oppression,” she said. “As I sit here as a Black woman who practiced civil rights…the reason that my colleagues wanted to make sure you understood the same Black history that your side of the aisle wants to delete out of classrooms is because you can then misuse words like oppression.”
Black Friday boycott
Meanwhile, some activists outraged by Walmart’s departure from DEI initiatives called for a boycott of the corporation on Black Friday, a large shopping day for Americans.
Organizers In Birmingham, Alabama, urged Alabama residents to stop spending money at a local Walmart on Friday, according to Advance Local.
Instead, the activists are urging the community to support local businesses, arguing that Walmart’s changes undermine efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.
“We as community members recognize the power of our dollars,” the organizers said in a press release. “By choosing where it’s spent, a clear message is sent that corporations must prioritize supporting and uplifting minority communities.”
