McDonald’s is scaling back several diversity initiatives. In doing so, the fast food chain joins American companies that have previously adjusted their policies on diversity and inclusion.
The big names are the DIY chain Lowe’s, whiskey maker Brown-Forman, known for the brand Jack Daniel’s, motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson, and agricultural machinery manufacturer Deere.
According to American media, the fast food chain reports that it will no longer set specific goals for more diversity, which means scrapping specific goals for more diversity in higher-ranking positions.
Instead, according to an open letter to employees, McDonald’s wants to continue to “integrate inclusion practices” into the company by increasing diversity among employees and suppliers and sharing information about this with the board and employees annually.
McDonald’s also no longer requires its suppliers to adhere to certain goals related to diversity, inclusion, and equality, and the chain is withdrawing from external research that measures diversity at companies.
American companies have scaled back their initiatives around diversity, equality and inclusion after a campaign by the well-known activist Robby Starbuck against so-called ‘woke’ companies.
McDonald’s says it decided because of, among other things, “the changing landscape” around these issues and a ruling by the US Supreme Court in June 2023. The Supreme Court then ended affirmative action in college admissions.