12-03-2024
In 2020, Walmart’s CEO pledged action to create a more inclusive environment for its employees and to address systemic racism. Today, Walmart will no longer share data on LGBTQ inclusion, cut back on LGBTQ-themed merchandise, stop using DEI and Latinx in its communications, and end its center committed to racial diversity.
Why is Walmart making these changes? Robby Starbuck, an anti-DEI activist, claims he told Walmart executives about his plan to write and publish a piece about “wokeness” at the company. In response, Walmart allegedly shared with Starbuck that it would make changes before Christmas. A Walmart spokesperson confirmed the changes to the New York Times and said that some of the changes were already in motion as part of its effort to be a “Walmart for everyone.” Starbuck announced plans to attack similar efforts at Amazon and Target next.
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision striking down any consideration of race in college admission decisions, companies have reexamined their DEI commitments, fearing legal action by conservative activists. NYU Law School has been holding quarterly webinars to help employers understand which DEI efforts are legally safe. They caution employers about showing any preference for legally protected groups through palpable benefits. These employers know that scaling back their inclusion efforts will make it more difficult to recruit and retain workers from underrepresented groups. Pulling back on DEI efforts “reinforces the message that they don’t belong,” according to a DEI expert at Washington University in St. Louis. One consultant stated that Walmart, which has customers across the political spectrum, is preparing for President Trump's return and the anticipated changes to the Justice Department.