McDonald’s has announced plans to scale back certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, citing a “shifting legal landscape” following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to end affirmative action in college admissions.
The fast-food corporation intends to retire specific diversity goals for senior leadership positions and discontinue a program that encouraged suppliers to implement diversity training and enhance minority representation within their leadership teams. Additionally, McDonald’s will pause participation in external surveys that assess workplace inclusion, a move similar to recent actions by companies like Lowe’s and Ford Motor Co.
Despite these changes, McDonald’s emphasizes its ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. The company reports that 30% of its U.S. leaders come from underrepresented groups and that it has achieved gender pay equity across all levels since setting that goal in 2021. McDonald’s also plans to continue supporting efforts to maintain a diverse base of employees, suppliers, and franchisees, and will keep reporting its demographic information.
This development aligns with a broader trend among major corporations reassessing their DEI strategies in response to legal and societal shifts. Companies such as Walmart, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson have similarly rolled back diversity programs following the Supreme Court’s ruling and subsequent conservative backlash.
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