10
Loading video...
By Alia Shoaib
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Attorneys general from 13 states have signed a letter raising concerns about Walmart's decision to roll back its diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
The company, which is the world's largest retailer, announced that it was making sweeping changes to these policies in November.
Why It Matters
Walmart is one of several major corporations that have recently pulled back on their DEI policies, including McDonald's, Meta and Ford.
Read More on U.S.
The broader shift away from diversity policies comes after the Supreme Court's 2023 decision to end affirmative action in higher education, and growing criticism of DEI policies from conservative figures including President-elect Donald Trump.
What to Know
Walmart's policy changes include no longer considering race and gender when making decisions about suppliers, ending various diversity programs, and removing the words "diversity" and "DEI" from documents in favor of language about "belonging."
The 13 attorneys general addressed a letter to Walmart CEO Doug McMillon on January 9 to question the company's decision.
The letter said: "We are writing to express our concern regarding Walmart's recent decision to step away from its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion ("DEI").
"These changes are bad for business, and for Walmart's customer base, including those in our states. Especially considering your prior statements on the critical values of diversity and inclusion, we urge you to reconsider your announced changes."
...
They noted that threats of boycotting, suing and other negative impacts may have contributed to Walmart's decision.
"But we are concerned that Walmart failed to consider the other side — the customers and employees that will be alienated by this departure," the letter read.
They went on to argue that Walmart's move to drop DEI initiatives was not required by law, and that pressures stemming from the Supreme Court's ruling were driven by "certain ideological actors."
A Walmart spokesperson told Newsweek: "We continue to operate with a focus on living our values of respect, integrity, service and excellence.
"We remain committed to creating a culture where everyone can be successful, and ensuring we are a Walmart for everyone."
What People Are Saying
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement: "Diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are critical tools for preventing discrimination and addressing historic injustices against minorities and other marginalized groups. When major companies roll back their commitments to these efforts, they signal to smaller businesses that it is acceptable to do the same, creating a ripple effect that inflicts lasting harm across our State and nation."
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul told NewsNation: "On the heels of George Floyd's murder, Walmart had stepped forth and said that we're making a commitment to the very thing that they're now abandoning. So I question how genuine that commitment was."
What Happens Next
The attorneys general noted in the letter that Walmart's response to it is "voluntary," but said that they hoped to engage with the company on the topic.
Update 1/16/24 08:45 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional comment from Walmart.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines