Why Costco, Unlike McDonald’s and Walmart, Is Not Chickening Out By Rolling Back It’s DEI Initiatives

With President-elect Donald Trump making big plans to completely get rid of DEI, it seems like many corporations like McDonald’s are falling in line. But there’s one company in particular that’s taking a stance against Trump and all other anti-DEI nonsense and doubling down on their efforts to preserve diversity throughout its company.

Bulk grocery franchise Costco adopted DEI practices years ago, and has no plans to change it up now! In fact, the company has been under immense pressure to scale back on DEI, but they’re sticking up for the company’s values in all ways possible.

Last year, Costco’s board of directors unanimously recommended its shareholders vote against a proposal which would’ve required the company to report the financial risks of maintaining DEI. The proposal was introduced by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), a conservative think tank.

In response to Costco’s defiance, NCPPR criticized the bulk grocery store for possible “illegal discrimination” against employees who are “white, Asian, male or straight,” according to Sustainabilitymag.com.

But Costco clapped back, saying DEI doesn’t negatively impact the company. In fact, Costco said DEI “enhances” the store’s environment. “Our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is to enhance our culture and the well-being of people whose lives we influence,” Costco said in response. “Our efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion remind and reinforce with everyone at our Company the importance of creating opportunities for all.”

This isn’t the only way Costco is showing up for the little guys, either. The company has a chief diversity officer and a supplier program focusing on expanding with small and diverse businesses. Additionally, Costco is known for donating to organizations such as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which is dedicated to serving minority groups.

So while corporations like Walmart and Ford Motor Co. are caving to the right-wing, Costco is walking the walk and backing up their talk about pushing diversity to the forefront!