McDonald’s says it is changing some of its inclusion standards, becoming the latest major company to announce it is abandoning some of its diversity practices.
In its statement, the company said it would no longer set “ambitious representation goals” and would instead “focus on continuing to embed inclusion practices” that grow its business. Additionally, it is temporarily suspending external investigations to focus internally, the company said.
The company is also changing the name of its diversity team to the Global Inclusion Team and “removing the supply chain’s mutual commitment to DEI in favor of a more integrated discussion with suppliers about inclusion as it relates to concerns commercial performance.
By making the announcement on Monday, the multinational American restaurant chain became the latest to change its diversity, equity and inclusion practices in the workplace. Last November, Walmart announced it would roll back some of its DEI policies.
McDonald’s says it has recently made several strides to become more inclusive, including having more than 30% of its U.S. executives come from underrepresented backgrounds.
It also claims to have registered the highest number of new, diverse franchise applicants in its history.
“Everyone is welcome under our Golden Arches, and this widespread appeal is why McDonald’s is one of the world’s most loved brands,” the company said. “We are proud of our culture at McDonald’s and want to thank you all for living our values.”
NPR News