McDonald's Ditches DEI Initiatives Amid Pressure From Conservative Activists, Cites 'Shifting Legal Landscape'

McDonald’s Corp. MCD is rolling back several diversity initiatives at its corporate level, including retiring its 35% diversity leadership goal and removing supplier diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements, the company announced in an employee letter on Monday.

The fast-food giant will rebrand its diversity team as the “Global Inclusion Team” and pause participation in external DEI surveys. The company noted it had achieved 30% representation from underrepresented groups in U.S. leadership positions, though falling short of its original 2025 target of 35%, reported Reuters.

The policy shift follows similar moves by other major corporations, including Walmart Inc. WMT, Deere & Co. DE, and Tractor Supply Co. TSCO, amid growing pressure from conservative activists. The changes come in response to what McDonald’s termed a “shifting legal landscape,” likely referring to the Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision striking down affirmative action in college admissions.

Conservative activist Robby Starbuck had recently questioned McDonald’s DEI practices, continuing a pattern where companies have modified their diversity programs following his criticism. Despite the changes, McDonald’s remains committed to inclusion practices within its operations.

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