Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general in sending a letter to Walmart today, voicing concerns about the company’s recent announcement of its plans to step away from its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In the letter sent to Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon, the attorneys general urge the company to reconsider its decision to phase out supplier diversity programs, close down the Center for Racial Equality, end equity trainings for staff, and remove the words “diversity” and “DEI” from company documents and employee titles. The coalition argues that the move would undermine important social progress and antidiscrimination efforts. McMillon announced the creation of Walmart’s Center for Racial Equality in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, calling social justice and equity “essential” to the company’s “core business.”
“Recruiting diverse workforces and creating inclusive work environments benefit both companies and consumers,” said AG Campbell. “I am proud to join my colleagues in urging Walmart to reconsider their policy changes and recommit to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that are proven to increase a company’s bottom line, prevent unlawful workplace discrimination, and improve consumer experience.”
In their letter, AG Campbell and the coalition argue that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs help ensure that companies comply with state and federal civil rights laws. They also note that opponents to diversity initiatives have attempted to pressure businesses and education organizations to end beneficial and lawful DEI programs through unfounded lawsuits and threats of litigation and boycotts. The attorneys general make clear that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs remain legal and that Walmart’s decision to eliminate these efforts is not required by law.
In addition to clarifying the legal landscape around diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the coalition reminds Walmart that such initiatives are good for business and popular among consumers. The letter cites studies that show companies with diverse leadership teams are associated with higher financial returns. According to the Black Economic Alliance Foundation, consumer research also indicates that the majority of Americans support businesses that take active steps to ensure corporate culture and structure reflect the diversity of the American population.
This matter is AG Campbell’s latest effort to defend diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. In 2023, AG Campbell denounced the attempt of 13 attorneys general to threaten action against Fortune 100 companies that engage in diversity, equity and inclusion practices. AG Campbell has also issued guidance to combat bias and foster respect for diversity in K-12 education.
Joining AG Campbell in sending the letter, led by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, were the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Original source can be found here.