Walmart (NYSE:WMT) on Monday confirmed that it’s ending some of its diversity initiatives, removing some LGBTQ-related merchandise from its website and winding down a nonprofit that funded programs for minorities.
The nation’s largest employer, which has about 1.6 million U.S. workers, joined a growing list of companies that have stepped back from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts after feeling the heat from conservative activists.
Some have also attributed changes to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last year that struck down affirmative action programs at colleges.
Those companies include Tractor Supply, which said in June it was eliminating DEI roles and stopping sponsorship of Pride festivals. Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW), Ford (NYSE:F) and Molson Coors (NYSE:TAP) have also walked back some of their equity and inclusion policies in recent months.
Others, such as Anheuser-Busch-owned Bud Light (NYSE:BUD) and Target (NYSE:TGT), have faced sharp backlash and falling sales after marketing campaigns or merchandise focused on the LGBTQ community.
In a statement, Walmart said it is “willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America.”
Among the changes, Walmart will no longer allow third-party sellers to sell some LGBTQ-themed items on Walmart’s website, including items marketed to transgender youth like chest binders.
WMT shares grabbed $1.13, or 1.3%, to $90.59.
