McDonald's is ending some DEI programs
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McDonald's on Monday said it is rolling back some of its diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Why it matters: Backlash against corporate DEI efforts appears to be intensifying ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration.
- The president-elect has been an outspoken opponent of corporate diversity efforts.
Where it stands: In a letter to franchise owners, suppliers and current employees, McDonald's proclaimed its commitment to diversity and inclusion but said it would modify some practices after conducting a "civil rights audit."
- The fast food company cited the Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that ended affirmative action in universities, and the shifting legal landscape.
Zoom in: The company said it would end "aspirational representation goals." That could include specific hiring targets that have come up for criticism in the wake of the Supreme Court decision.
- It will pause "external surveys," which could include participation in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.
Between the lines: The announcement came just days after anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck first reached out to the fast food giant, he said in a post on X.
- Starbuck said the company made its decision just three days after he'd told them he'd be doing a story on their "woke policies," he wrote. "As our first corporate flip of 2025 I just want to say, HAPPY NEW YEAR!"
- "Things move faster now because so many companies have hired consultants to pre-plan how to respond to me," Starbuck told Axios in a text, taking credit for the changes.
- His campaigns have led to similar retreats at Walmart, Tractor Supply Company, and John Deere.
Context: This update has been "considered over recent months," the company told Axios in an email from its press account.
- "Our plan has been to communicate our updated approach at the start of the year." The message on Monday noted the "evolving landscape around DEI policies and programs in the U.S."
Flashback: McDonald's has repeatedly hailed DEI as essential in the past.
- "We believe everyone deserves a safe, inclusive and accepting workplace where they can thrive," McDonald's global chief diversity officer Suheily Natal Davis said last year on LinkedIn.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment from McDonald's.
