Factbox: US companies tweak diversity policies as challenges mount
13/01/2025 10:30
(Adds McDonald's and Apple) Jan 13 (Reuters) - Major U.S. companies from Facebook owner Meta Platforms META.O to fast food chain McDonald's MCD.N have joined a growing number of firms dropping their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, meant to boost racial and ethnic representation at workplaces against the backdrop of rising pressure from conservative groups. At least six major companies, including JPMorgan Chase JPM.N , modified their DEI policies in 2023 according to a Reuters review of corporate statements. Here are some of the companies that have scrapped their policy or facing pressure to pare back their DEI policies: Company Statement Starbucks In March, the coffee giant's shareholders voted SBUX.O for an executive compensation plan that dropped a bonus related to DEI goals. Tractor The company in late June said that it would no Supply longer submit data to the Human Rights Campaign TSCO.O (HRC), which advocates for LGBTQ rights. Tractor Supply also said it would eliminate DEI roles and retire its current DEI goals. Deere DE.N The company said in July it would not participate in or support external social or cultural awareness parades, festivals, or events. The farm equipment maker also reaffirmed that the existence of diversity quotas and pronoun identification have never been and are not company policy. Harley-David In August, the motorcycle manufacturer said it son HOG.N would not participate in the HRC survey and had ended its DEI initiatives. Brown-Forman The Jack Daniel's maker said it would ensure Bfb.N executive incentives and employee goals are tied to business performance, end participation in the HRC survey and scrap its quantitative workforce and supplier diversity goals. Lowe's The home improvement chain will no longer LOW.N participate in HRC surveys and will combine its various business resource groups that represent diverse employees into one umbrella organization. Lowe's said in August it would not sponsor or participate in community events such as parades, festivals, or fairs. Ford Motor The automaker said it will change its DEI F.N program, including ending participation in an LGBTQ advocacy group's ranking system. Molson Coors The beer maker said it will end participation Beverage in the HRC index, and will tie executive TAP.N incentives to business performance and not aspirational representation goals beginning next year. Boeing The planemaker has dismantled its global BA.N diversity, equity and inclusion department according to Bloomberg News. Boeing's diversity vice president Sara Liang Bowen announced in October on LinkedIn that she had left the company. Walmart The retail bellwether will no longer consider WMT.N race and gender to boost diversity when granting supplier contracts and is scaling back racial equity training. Walmart is also stopping participation in rankings by HRC and also reviewing its support for Pride and other events. Meta The social media company ended its DEI Platforms programs, including those for hiring, training META.O and picking suppliers. Amazon.com The ecommerce giant was "winding down outdated AMZN.O programs and materials" as part of a review of hundreds of initiatives, according to a memo sent to employees in December. The fast-food chain is retiring its McDonald's goal for diversity in corporate leadership andRecent news on Tractor Supply Co
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