McDonald’s has announced a shift in its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies, citing changes in the U.S. legal landscape following the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision against affirmative action in college admission.
Key Changes:
- Retirement of Diversity Targets: The company will no longer pursue its goal of having 35% of U.S. senior leadership roles filled by individuals from underrepresented groups by 2025.
- Supplier DEI Requirements: McDonald’s is ending its program that encouraged suppliers to commit to DEI initiatives and invest in diversity training for their employees.
- Rebranding of Diversity Team: The internal diversity team will now be known as the “Global Inclusion Team,” reflecting a broader focus on inclusion.
Pausing External Surveys: The company plans to pause participation in external surveys related to workplace inclusion, such as those conducted by the Human Rights Campaign.
This move aligns McDonald’s with other corporations like Walmart, Ford Motor Co., and Lowe’s, which have recently adjusted or scaled back their DEI initiatives in response to legal developments and external pressures.
Despite these changes, McDonald’s asserts its ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. The company reports that over 30% of its U.S. leaders are from underrepresented groups and that it has achieved gender pay equity across all levels. Additionally, McDonald’s met its goal of allocating 25% of supply-chain spending to diverse-owned suppliers by the end of 2025.
These developments come amid a broader trend of companies reassessing their DEI policies in light of legal challenges and societal debates over the role of such initiatives in corporate America.
