Walmart has announced significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, joining a growing list of corporations reassessing their approaches to so-called “woke” initiatives. The retail giant confirmed adjustments to how it monitors products and reviews grants for community events, responding to longstanding internal discussions and external activist pressure.
Anti-woke activist and filmmaker Robby Starbuck, known for campaigning against corporate DEI policies, revealed on social media that he recently engaged with Walmart executives. “We had productive conversations to find solutions,” Starbuck shared, emphasizing that he had planned to highlight what he described as “wokeness” at Walmart.
Among the changes, Walmart will review its grants for Pride events to ensure they do not fund inappropriate or sexualized content targeting children. The company also clarified that products violating its policies, such as chest binders marketed to children, have been removed. While Walmart stated these changes were already in progress, it acknowledged feedback from activists like Starbuck.
In a statement to FOX Business, Walmart emphasized its commitment to inclusivity: “We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers, and suppliers, and to be a Walmart for everyone.”
Additionally, Walmart confirmed it would not extend its Racial Equity Center beyond its original five-year plan launched in 2020. The retailer will also stop using terms like “LatinX” and “DEI” in favor of “belonging,” reflecting a shift in messaging aimed at connecting with a broader audience.
The company has also decided to end its participation in the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, an annual survey measuring policies for LGBTQ+ employees. Walmart joins other corporations, including Ford and John Deere, in reevaluating their involvement in the index.
Starbuck welcomed these developments as a major victory, stating, “Walmart is the single largest employer in the United States. Removing wokeness from Walmart has both downstream effects on suppliers and sets the tone for corporate America.” He added, “I won’t stop until wokeness is a relic of the past.”
Walmart reiterated that its decisions aim to align with the needs of its associates and customers. While the company refrains from commenting on politics, it remains focused on fostering a sense of belonging across its operations.
A person should be hired on their abilities to perform the job at hand not because of the color of their skin, their sex or sexual stance.
I agree. Giving any type of preference to anyone because of color, gender, or sexual stance is DISCRIMINATION.