Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become rallying cries for progressive workplaces worldwide. From increased representation to equitable hiring practices, these initiatives have redefined corporate values over the last decade. Yet, as we step into 2024, the tide appears to be turning, with big companies turning away from DEI initiatives. Several global giants are pulling back their DEI programs, citing economic pressures, political shifts, and cultural resistance.
It is not just about cost-cutting or optics; it is a retreat from the commitment to building equitable workplaces. With companies like Walmart, Ford, and Microsoft scaling back or outright abandoning DEI efforts, we are left to ask: Is this the beginning of the end for meaningful inclusion? And what message does this send to the millions who looked to these initiatives as a beacon of hope for workplace equity?
List of companies turning away from DEI Initiatives
The rollback of DEI initiatives is not confined to one industry. From retail to technology and automotive, the trend is alarmingly widespread. Below is a closer look at some of the key players pulling back:
Walmart
Walmart is the largest employer in America, with 1.6 million employees and an $800 billion market cap. The company announced on November 25 that it will end programs supporting suppliers that are 51% owned by women, minorities, veterans, or members of the LGBTQ community. The company also stated it would stop prioritising suppliers based on race or gender diversity. Moreover, they will block the listing of certain transgender-related items on its website.
Walmart had established the Center for Racial Equality in 2020 following George Floyd’s death. The company also revealed it would not renew funding for this initiative when it expires in 2025, effectively ending the philanthropic fund. Earlier this year, Walmart renamed its “chief diversity officer” to “chief belonging officer” and moved away from using the term “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in company documents.
Harley-Davidson
In August, motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson revealed it had not operated a corporate DEI function since April. Additionally, it no longer has minority-owned supplier goals and plans to end socially motivated employee training. The Milwaukee-based company also announced it would review all sponsorships and partnerships. It includes ending relationships with the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign.
Ford Motor Company
Like many brands, Ford increased its DEI commitments after George Floyd’s murder and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. However, as with Harley-Davidson, Ford announced it would no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s initiatives. The Fortune 500 company also pulled out of the HRC Corporate Equality Index and its “best places to work” lists. Ford added that the company would not use hiring quotas or tie compensation to meet specific diversity goals.
Toyota
Toyota is joining several major companies that have recently moved away from DEI initiatives following an online campaign led by anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck. The company sent a memo to its 5,000 US employees and 1,500 dealers, stating it will “narrow community activities to align with STEM education and workforce readiness.” In the message, Toyota emphasised that while it will continue to “encourage an inclusive environment where diversity of thought can flourish,” the company will focus primarily on activities that enhance the quality of its business.
Microsoft
Microsoft laid off its diversity, equity, and inclusion team, citing “changing business needs” as the reason. In 2020, the company set a goal to double the number of leaders of colour by 2025. However, the progress toward this goal is unclear.
A leader from the now-disbanded team criticised the decision in an email to thousands of employees. The leader argues that the team’s work is no longer seen as essential. “True systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere is no longer business critical or smart as it was in 2020,” the leader wrote, according to reports.
Molson Coors
Molson Coors is ending many of its DEI policies. The beverage company announced in an internal memo that it would remove quotas for supplier diversity, which aimed to source from minority or women-owned businesses. The company also stated it would shift training from DEI-focused programs to ones that align more with business goals. The decision, which has been in progress since March, was made to ensure executive pay is based on business performance, not “aspirational representation goals.“
Companies turning away from DEI Initiatives: Critical questions we must address
The rollback of DEI programs raises urgent concerns about corporate accountability and the future of workplace diversity. Were these initiatives merely short-term responses to societal pressures? If so, what happens to the diverse talent these programs aimed to uplift?
At ChangeinContent, we question the true motivations behind these decisions. Are these companies prioritising short-term gains over long-term inclusivity? And if global giants backtrack, will smaller businesses follow suit, leaving historically marginalised communities even further behind? These questions demand answers—and accountability.
The final thoughts
As companies scale back their DEI efforts, they risk sending a message that inclusion is expendable—a trend rather than a value. At ChangeinContent, we urge businesses to reconsider the impact of these decisions. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just corporate buzzwords; they are essential to building fairer, more innovative, and more productive workplaces.
Let’s remember: DEI is not a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. Corporations that embrace this truth will not only thrive but also shape a future where equity is more than a promise. At ChangeinContent, we stand by that future and commit to holding the conversation alive.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
