Walmart will curb some diversity policies amid pressure from activists. Credit: Mike Reddington/Shutterstock.

US multinational retail corporation Walmart has revealed plans to roll back certain diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.  

The retailer will no longer factor race and gender into supplier contract decisions or collect demographic data for financing eligibility assessments, Bloomberg has reported. 

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The company is discontinuing the use of the term “DEI” in official communications and will reduce racial equity training for employees. Participation in rankings by the Human Rights Campaign and support for Pride events are under review. 

Walmart will reduce its racial equity training for employees, cease its involvement in prominent rankings by the LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign and reassess its support for Pride and other related events. 

Walmart spokesperson was quoted as saying: “We are willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America.”  

The changes were revealed after anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck shared a video on social media, claiming he had threatened Walmart with a campaign to organise a customer boycott just days before Black Friday, one of the largest shopping events of the year. He previously challenged other firms on their employment policies. 

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The move by Walmart positions it among companies such as Starbucks, JPMorgan Chase and Ford, which have also recently modified their DEI strategies.  

Ford, Lowe’s, Harley-Davidson, Deere & Co and Molson Coors have also ceased certain diversity initiatives after facing criticism from Starbuck. 

In September 2024, Walmart introduced Caroline’s Carts across its stores in multiple states to offer an inclusive and accessible shopping experience.