McDonald’s Rolls Back Diversity Goals, Citing Changing Legal Landscape
Company Joins Others in Scaling Back Diversity Initiatives
McDonald’s is ending some of its diversity practices, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision outlawing affirmative action in college admissions.
Latest in a Series of Companies to Rethink Diversity Efforts
McDonald’s is the latest to shift its tactics in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling and the conservative backlash that followed. Walmart, John Deere, Harley-Davidson and others have also rolled back diversity programs.
Changes to Diversity Initiatives
McDonald’s said it planned to retire specific goals for achieving diversity at senior leadership levels. It also intends to end a program that encourages its suppliers to develop diversity training and increase the number of minorities in their own leadership ranks.
Pausing “External Surveys”
The Chicago burger giant didn’t elaborate, but several other companies, including Lowe’s and Ford Motor Co., have declined to participate in an annual survey by the Human Rights Campaign that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees.
Commitment to Inclusion Remains
In an open letter to employees and franchisees, McDonald’s senior leadership team said that it remains committed to inclusion and believes its diversity is a competitive advantage. The company said 30% of its U.S. leaders are from underrepresented groups and it has reached gender pay equity at all levels of the company since setting that goal in 2021.
Continued Support for Diversity
McDonald’s said it would continue to support efforts that ensure a diverse base of employees, suppliers, and franchisees. The company said it will also continue to report its demographic information.
Shifting Legal Landscape
But McDonald’s said the “shifting legal landscape” after the Supreme Court decision and the actions of other companies caused it to take a hard look at its own policies.
Conclusion
McDonald’s decision to roll back its diversity goals is just the latest sign of a broader trend in the business world. As companies grapple with the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, it remains to be seen how many will continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is driving McDonald’s decision to roll back its diversity goals?
– The company cites the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision outlawing affirmative action in college admissions and the shifting legal landscape.
* Which other companies have rolled back their diversity initiatives?
– Walmart, John Deere, Harley-Davidson, and others have also scaled back their diversity programs.
* Will McDonald’s continue to prioritize diversity?
– Yes, the company says it remains committed to inclusion and believes its diversity is a competitive advantage.
