McDonald's Shifts Some Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives
McDonald's Shifts Some Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives
McDonald's announced on Monday that it's sunsetting certain diversity goals, such as requiring suppliers to meet DEI targets and participating in external surveys. The company is rebranding its diversity team to the Global Inclusion Team, a popular move among corporations reassessing their diversity pledges. McDonald's maintains its commitment to a diverse workforce, pledging to support practices fostering inclusion and collaborating with suppliers on DEI practices.
This shift stems from recent Supreme Court rulings against affirmative action, as well as companies reevaluating their diversity initiatives in the face of online pressure, legal threats, and customer opposition. Major corporations like Walmart, Ford, Harley-Davidson, and John Deere have similarly modified their DEI initiatives.
Shift in DEI initiatives:
- McDonald's: The fast-food giant ended specific diversity goals, paused external surveys, and discontinued a supplier program focusing on diversity training and leadership representation.
- Walmart: The retail giant announced it would end certain DEI initiatives, including its nonprofit Center for Racial Equity, and scale back initiatives aiding minority-owned suppliers.
- Ford: The automaker pulled out of diversity rankings and restructured employee resource groups, pledging to be less politically involved.
- Harley-Davidson: The motorcycle manufacturer withdrew from diversity spending goals and employee training programs.
- John Deere: The equipment manufacturer scaled back on its DEI commitments, including ending cultural awareness events and its pronoun policy.
- Tractor Supply Company: The retailer significantly reduced its DEI programs, eliminating diversity roles and withdrawing from Pride event sponsorships.
McDonald's decision to rebrand its diversity team and sunset certain diversity goals is a strategic move aligning with other corporations, such as Walmart, Ford, Harley-Davidson, and John Deere, who are also reassessing their business strategies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These companies are adjusting their DEI initiatives in response to recent legal threats and customer opposition, as well as the Supreme Court rulings against affirmative action.