Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT, ETR:WMT) is revising its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, the company has confirmed.
Changes from the largest retailer in the US include discontinuing participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion index and ending a five-year commitment to racial equity training, having established a $100 million training centre in 2020 following the death of George Floyd.
Walmart will no longer take account of race and gender to boost diversity when granting supplier contracts and that eligibility for financing will not be assessed based on suppliers providing certain demographic data, Bloomberg News reported.
Additionally, Walmart plans to monitor third-party marketplace products, including items targeted at minors, and is also adjusting reviews of Pride event sponsorships to ensure suitability for families.
These steps come amid challenges from conservative groups and legal changes following the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action.
Other companies, including Starbucks, JPMorgan Chase and Ford have also tweaked DEI policies over the last year.
A Walmart spokesperson stated that the company is "willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America".
The employer of 1.6 million workers in the US also stated some adjustments had already been underway, including changing use of the term 'DEI' to 'belonging'.