Four years after embarking on a journey to make its workforce more diverse, McDonald’s has decided to hit the brakes on some of its diversity practices. The fast-food giant cited a U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down affirmative action in college admissions.
McDonald’s is the latest major company to pivot away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Following in the footsteps of Walmart, John Deere, and Harley-Davidson, it seems McDonald’s is ready to trade those “golden arches” of progress for some good old-fashioned status quo.
The company announced Monday it will retire its specific goals for diversity in senior leadership. Also on the chopping block is a supplier program that encouraged diversity training and minority representation in leadership.
Adding to the list of withdrawals, McDonald’s said it will pause “external surveys.” Translation: Don’t expect McDonald’s to participate in annual inclusion reports like the one by the Human Rights Campaign, because who needs feedback when you’re already “lovin’ it”?
This retreat comes after McDonald’s proudly rolled out its diversity initiatives in 2021. Those programs were unveiled following a string of lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and discrimination—including claims from Black former franchise owners. Back then, CEO Chris Kempczinski waxed poetic about inclusion being a “core value” and promised “real, measurable progress.” Oh, how times change.
Fast-forward to today, and the “shifting legal landscape” has apparently led McDonald’s to reconsider its stance. Of course, the political winds might have helped. With President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office, his disdain for DEI programs is no secret. Trump has tapped Stephen Miller, known for aggressively challenging such policies, as his deputy chief of policy, and VP-elect JD Vance introduced a bill to end DEI in federal government. Subtle.
Even conservative commentator Robby Starbuck joined the anti-DEI parade, warning McDonald’s of a potential exposé on its “woke policies.” Apparently, the threat of bad press was the final straw for the burger titan.
In a letter to employees, McDonald’s leadership reassured everyone that the company still values inclusion. Because nothing says commitment like dismantling initiatives aimed at fostering it.
