McDonald's becomes latest company to roll back DEI goals
LOS ANGELES - McDonald’s is making significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. On Monday, the company announced plans to retire specific diversity targets for senior leadership, pause external surveys, and discontinue a supplier program encouraging minority representation. These changes come in response to the 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions, which has influenced corporate approaches to diversity practices.
The company cited the "shifting legal landscape" and similar moves by corporations like Walmart and John Deere as reasons for reevaluating its DEI strategies. While these adjustments mark a step back from previous goals, McDonald’s emphasized its ongoing commitment to inclusion, noting its progress in achieving gender pay equity and increasing leadership diversity.
How McDonald’s is adapting to the new landscape
The bottom line
McDonald’s decision underscores a broader trend of corporations scaling back DEI efforts amid legal and political pressures. The 2023 Supreme Court ruling, along with increasing opposition to DEI initiatives from political leaders like President-elect Donald Trump and legislation from figures like JD Vance, reflects the changing landscape. Despite these challenges, McDonald’s leadership reaffirmed the importance of fostering an inclusive workforce while balancing legal compliance.
What we know
McDonald’s is eliminating diversity goals aimed at achieving 35% representation of underrepresented groups in senior leadership by 2024. The company will also pause participation in external surveys, such as those measuring LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, and has ended its supplier diversity program.
McDonald’s said it will continue to support diverse employees, franchisees, and suppliers through its renamed "Global Inclusion Team" and plans to maintain transparency by reporting demographic data.
What we don’t know
McDonald’s has not clarified whether new diversity initiatives will replace the retired goals. The company has also yet to address concerns from stakeholders, including employees and franchise owners, about how these changes might impact the organization’s inclusivity and culture.
Broader implications for corporate diversity efforts
What’s next
McDonald’s changes signal a potential shift in corporate DEI strategies across industries. As other companies reconsider their approaches, discussions about the role of diversity in business success and compliance with evolving legal standards are expected to intensify. The Trump administration’s forthcoming policies could further influence the future of DEI programs in both the corporate and federal sectors.
The Source
This article is based on information from the Associated Press, statements from McDonald’s, and previous FOX reporting.