Largest private employer in US pledged to tackle inequities after George Floyd murder but has now dropped initiatives

Summary

Walmart has rolled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, ending DEI training, racial equity programs, and diversity metrics in hiring and supplier decisions.

Employees call the move a betrayal, citing the lack of communication and its impact on marginalized groups.

The rollback has drawn praise from conservatives but criticism from racial equity advocates, including Walmart’s largest workers’ group, United for Respect, which plans to reintroduce a racial equity audit proposal in 2025.

Critics argue the changes mark a major regression for racial and workplace equity at the nation’s largest private employer.