Thirteen states' attorneys general question Walmart's retreat from DEI

Thirteen state attorneys general, most from essentially Blue-leaning states are raising questions to Walmart about the big chain store's retreat from diversity, equity and inclusion policies, saying the move “risks undermining important social progress and anti-discrimination efforts.” 

In the letter, dated Thursday and sent to Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon, the attorneys general also said they and understand the pressure the company likely faced following “the anti-DEI pressure campaign,” apparently referring to companies curbing or putting and end to overspend on the programs. 

DEI has come under increased scrutiny as critics say it places physical characteristics and identity over merit and outcomes. Critics also say DEI programming costs corporations money and government agencies taxpayer dollars.

“[T]hreats to boycott, sue, or otherwise negatively impact Walmart’s bottom line may well have contributed to your decision to walk away from your commitments to DEI," said the group of attorneys general – from California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. 

"But we are concerned that Walmart failed to consider the other side – the customers and employees that will be alienated by this departure, the historically-disadvantaged minority- and women-owned small businesses that will have a harder time becoming suppliers to Walmart, and the economic benefits of diversity that Walmart will lose by abandoning its commitment to a diverse workforce."

 Walmart’s has posted on its website that the company's vision is “simple, yet powerful.

“‘Everyone included.’ By nurturing a workplace culture where everyone is – and feels – included, we create an environment where everyone wins,” the company said. “By making Walmart a welcoming place where people feel like they belong, we’re able to engage associates, strengthen our business, improve our ability to serve customers, and support the communities where we operate.”

The Associated Press reported a Walmart spokesperson said some of the company’s policy changes have been in progress for a while. That included moving away from using the terminology of DEI in job titles and communications and instead using words like “belonging.” The company also started making modifications to their supplier programs.

Walmart didn’t respond to a request for comment Friday from The Center Square.

“Everything we do comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to create opportunities for all and be a Walmart for everyone,” the Walmart website posting also states

The six-page letter to Walmart make clear the attorneys general want more information from the company.

"We would welcome more information, either as you communicate your recommitment to the important values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, or as you share with our offices how you intend to ensure compliance with our states’ laws," they said.