Photo Courtesy of Alexander Grey via Pexels.
Following recent corporate changes including the rollback of DEI initiatives and policies under President Donald Trump, the landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in major brands has become an area of scrutiny and concern for consumers. A nationwide commotion has sparked conversation about corporate responsibility and consumer power, as many companies are rolling back their initiatives while others are standing firm in their commitment to DEI.
A big misconception about DEI is that it only includes people of color but that is not the case. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policy terminations will affect people from all different backgrounds, including racial and ethnic groups Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Hispanics/Latinos/Latinas, African Americans and blacks, and American Indians and Alaska Natives, LGBTQ+ populations, people with disabilities (physical and metal), and women. Veteran status is additionally considered part of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. The Trump Administration’s new policies on DEI are a grave threat to many people, especially in the workforce.
The Impacts of DEI Rollbacks in the Workplace
The rollback of DEI initiatives can have profound and far-reaching consequences for employees of all backgrounds. One of the most immediate and visible impacts is the decrease in representation across various levels. This decline not only affects the current workforce, but it also sends a discouraging message to potential diverse candidates, leading to reduced employment opportunities for underrepresented groups. This can also result in a less inclusive hiring process.
The dismantling of DEI initiatives can also lead to widening disparities within the workplace, both in terms of career advancement and compensation. This shift can have a significant emotional impact on employees from marginalized backgrounds, who may feel devalued and unsupported in their professional environments. As a result, work environments may start to become less equitable, potentially fostering an environment where discrimination and micro-aggressions may go unchecked, ultimately hindering the overall productivity and innovation that diverse teams are known to bring organizations.
Brands Facing Boycott Calls
With the threat of discrimination and job-losses on the horizon, people have been taking to the streets of social media and promoting the boycotts of many major companies. Some of these companies include:
- Amazon: Amazon has updated their policies and a section of their website which details employment information, removing language that previously guaranteed protections for Black and LGBTQ+ employees.
- Whole Foods: While Whole Foods has not made a statement about rolling back DEI initiatives, the company is owned by Amazon.
- Google: Google is planning to rescind its goal of hiring more employees from underrepresented groups and is reassessing some of their DEI initiatives.
- Tesla and X: Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla and the owner of X, is currently working on cutting federal funding with the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE. DOGE has been working on cutting DEI budgets.
- Airbnb: The co-founder Joe Gebbia is reported to have joined Elon Musk’s DOGE.
- Target: One of the first brands to receive public backlash as they released a statement on pulling back their diversity initiatives. Target has stated they will be concluding their “three-year diversity, equity, and inclusion goals” and “Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives.” For the full statement, read Target’s “Belonging at the Bullseye” Strategy.
- McDonald’s: On January 6th, McDonald’s announced significant changes to their diversity practices. These include pausing participation in external DEI surveys, eliminating aspirational representation goals for diverse leadership, renaming their diversity team to the “Global Inclusion Team.” Read McDonald’s full statement here.
- Meta: Axios has reported a memo from Meta sent to their employees about the company’s DEI rollback. This memo includes changes in their policies, such as: no longer having a DEI team and making programs that focus on fair and consistent practices that reduce bias for everyone in place of equity and inclusion training programs.
- Walmart: Walmart has rolled back on its DEI policies after receiving backlash from conservatives back in November 2024. Walmart has stepped away from using the term “DEI” in communications, pulled out of the Human Rights Campaign’s that measures inclusion from LGBTQ+ employees, and more.
- Disney: While they are not completely rolling back their initiatives, they are reforming their DEI programs in order to refocus on business outcomes and performance, according to Axios.
Brands Supporting DEI
While it may be disappointing to see many popular brands taking back their DEI initiatives, other brands have been stepping into the spotlight as they stand firm in their company values. Here are some brands that are keeping their DEI policies that you should support now more than ever:
- Costco: Costco is maintaining its commitment to DEI initiatives, as its shareholders have voted down a proposal that called for an evaluation of potential risks associated with the company’s DEI practices.
- Apple: Apple has defended their DEI policies, pushing back against a conservative shareholder group’s attempt to dismantle them.
- Ben & Jerry’s: Ben & Jerry’s has been open and vocal about social reform and advocacy, especially throughout the election and recent events of the Trump Administration. Their social media platforms merge ice cream and social justice into a unique way of raising awareness.
- E.l.f. Beauty: “Positivity, inclusivity and accessibility is in our DNA,” the brand states in a recent Instagram post in light of DEI rollbacks. They have made it loud and clear that their commitment to diversity and inclusion is not going anywhere.
- Francesca’s: Andrew Clarke, the CEO of retail clothing store francesca’s, has come out with a video statement proudly announcing his firm stance in their DEI initiatives. Representation matters to Clarke and he plans to continue moving forward in a positive light.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta Chief External Affairs Officer Peter Carter has stated the importance and critical role of DEI to the business. They are not backing away from their commitment. View their full DEI policy here. Taking Back Consumer Power
The NAACP, a national grassroots activism group for civil rights and social justice, has recently launched the Black Consumer Advisory, which highlights the significant economic influence of Black consumers, who control nearly $2 trillion in spending. It serves as a guide to help the Black community make informed purchasing choices and offers insights into which companies are driving progress and which are lagging behind.
“I am confident that this framework will support our community as we make difficult decisions on where to spend our hard-earned money. If corporations want our dollars, they better be ready to do the right thing,” Derrick Johnson, the NAACP President & CEO, said in a statement.
Not only does this serve as a helpful guide to the Black community, it models as an example for other communities who are looking to take back their power and spend their money elsewhere. Consumer boycotts serve as a lever for change, allowing individuals to voice their dissatisfaction and push for corporate accountability. By withholding their purchasing power, consumers can demonstrate that there are financial consequences for abandoning commitments to diversity and inclusion. This economic pressure not only affects the targeted companies but also sends a clear message to other corporations about the importance of upholding DEI values.
Boycott Timelines
- “Hit Them In Their Profits” Economic Blackout Protest – February 28
- NO SPENDING FOR 24 HRS: Buy all necessities on February 27
- 12am – 11:59pm local time
- This is not a march.
- US & World “Oligarch #1 Protest: Amazon” – March 7 – 14
- NO BUYING FROM AMAZON for one week
- This is not a march.
- “NATIONAL STRIKE” – March 14
- NO WORK FOR 24 HOURS: for all Workers, all Businesses and all higher education organizations.
- 12am – 11:59pm local time
- This is not a march.
- Nestle Boycott – March 21 – 28
- Walmart Boycott – April 7 – 14
- Economic Blackout #2 – April 18
- General Mills Boycott – April 21 – 28
View this post on Instagram
