Walmart is making changes to its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, becoming the latest in a growing list of major corporations to ditch so-called “woke” initiatives.
Anti-woke activist and filmmaker Robbie StarbuckWho is leading a campaign to expose the secret policies of major corporations, said on x On Monday, he warned Walmart executives last week that he would do a story on “awareness” at the retail giant.
“Instead,” Starbuck shared, “we had productive conversations to find solutions.”
Starbuck outlined changes Walmart will make, including working to remove sexual and transgender products inappropriately marketed to children and avoiding funding erotic content targeting children at Pride events. Involves reviewing grants to.
Walmart clarified that these changes had been in the works for some years and were not the result of negotiations with Starbuck.
Walmart confirmed to Fox Business that it plans to change the way it monitors products in its marketplace and reviews grant funding.
The company said it has removed some products that violate its policies, such as chest binders – products designed to flatten the chest – when marketed to children.
The company also confirmed that it will review all grants, particularly those for community programs, to ensure that they promote an appropriate environment for children. However, Walmart will continue to support the Pride celebration.
The company has also decided not to expand the Racial Equity Center, launched as a five-year initiative in 2020, and will completely remove the words “LatinX” and even “DEI” in official communications . Instead it will focus on the word “relevant” for all associates and customers.
In recent months, Walmart has also joined the ranks of companies – including ford And john deere – Human Rights Campaign to end participation in the Corporate Equality Index, which is an annual survey and report used to measure “policies, practices, and benefits relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) employees” is done.”
Walmart confirmed it was notified about the Starbucks video last week. Walmart does not generally comment on politics.
In a statement to Fox Business, Walmart said it is “ready to make the change with our associates and customers representing all of America.”
“We are on a journey and know we are not perfect, but every decision comes from a desire to foster a sense of belonging, open doors of opportunity for all our associates, customers and suppliers, and be Walmart. For everyone,” the company said.
Starbuck won over the changes announced by Walmart, telling Fox Business, “Walmart is the largest employer in the United States. Removing disinterest from Walmart has downstream effects on suppliers and sets the tone for corporate America.
He added, “Changing the general operating policy at a nearly $1 trillion company is a huge feat that many have tried to achieve but no one has really been able to do until now.” “It speaks to the strength and scale of our movement to eliminate awareness from society and how effective I have been as a megaphone for the concerns of your average consumer.”
Starbuck said, “I will not stop until vigilantism becomes a relic of the past.”
