Walmart Scales Back DEI Policies Following Conservative Pressure

The retail giant ends several diversity initiatives as legal and political risks for such programs grow under shifting national dynamics.

Walmart announced the rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including supplier diversity goals and its Center for Racial Equity, established in 2020.
The company will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and will monitor third-party marketplace items for LGBTQ+ products marketed to children.
The decision follows growing legal challenges to DEI programs after the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling against affirmative action and the recent election of Donald Trump, whose administration is expected to target such policies.
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck played a key role in pressuring Walmart, marking a broader trend of companies scaling back DEI efforts under public and political scrutiny.
Critics argue the rollback could alienate customers and employees, while proponents claim it reflects a shift toward corporate neutrality and reduced legal risk.