U.S. Companies Revise DEI Programs Amid Conservative Pressure

(Reuters) – More U.S. companies are modifying their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs aimed at improving racial and ethnic representation in workplaces due to increasing pressure from conservative groups.

At least six major U.S. companies, including JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), adjusted their DEI policies last year, according to a Reuters review of corporate statements.

Companies Modifying or Dropping DEI Programs in 2024

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX)

In March, the coffee giant’s shareholders voted for an executive compensation plan that eliminated a bonus related to DEI goals.

Tractor Supply (NASDAQ:TSCO)

The company announced in late June that it would stop submitting data to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which advocates for LGBTQ rights. It also stated it would eliminate DEI roles and retire its current DEI goals.

Deere (NYSE:DE)

In July, the farm equipment manufacturer declared that it would not participate in or support external social or cultural awareness events. They affirmed that diversity quotas and pronoun identification have never been and are not company policy.

Harley-Davidson

In August, the motorcycle manufacturer confirmed it would not engage in the HRC survey and had ended its DEI initiatives.

Brown-Forman

The maker of Jack Daniel’s stated it would align executive incentives and employee goals strictly with business performance, end participation in the HRC survey, and eliminate its quantitative workforce and supplier diversity goals.

Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW)

The home improvement chain will no longer take part in HRC surveys and will merge its various business resource groups representing diverse employees into a single organization. In August, Lowe’s also announced it would not sponsor or participate in community events like parades and festivals.