The start of 2025 saw the beginning of many companies agreeing to abandon their DEI initiatives.
Just last week, giant companies like Meta and Amazon announced that they would be removing their DEI programs, joining the likes of McDonald’s and Walmart amidst further pressure from the far right.
The latest announcements come two months after a report found that corporations’ attitudes towards the DEI programs remain unchanged. Per the report, 80% of DEI goals were unchanged from 2023 and 67% of companies still have talent programs to attract diverse talent, while 70% of companies also maintained their supplier-diversity programs.
Here are the top five companies that are staying true to their DEI promises.
Apple: Apple has previously announced that they will not abandon their current DEI initiatives, most recently doubling down on their promise by urging shareholders to vote against a proposal to abandon DEI commitments. On Jan. 13, the tech company’s board let shareholders know that they would advise that they vote against the proposal which is being pushed by a far-right think tank, the National Center for Public Policy Research.
Apple's board has called on investors to vote against a proposal to end its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programmes. It comes after the National Center for Public Policy Research, called on the technology giant to abolish DEI policies. More here:https://t.co/Ko2xlH74cj
— João da Silva (@BBCJoao) January 13, 2025
The think tank is attempting to use the Supreme Court’s latest decision to argue that it can be applied to corporate DEI programs as well. Apple has since responded by affirming that the proposal is “unnecessary” and that their DEI programs do not discriminate in hiring or promotion. The vote is scheduled to take place on Feb. 25.
Delta: Delta Airlines has also announced that they will stay committed to their DEI programs. On Jan. 10, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Peter W. Carter announced that they will not abandon their DEI programs because they are viewed as being critical to their business. The focus of DEI programs has also been cultivating talent, which Delta assures their programs are set out to do.
Costco: Food chain Costco stood its ground against the anti-DEI movement as shareholders voted to keep in place their initiatives. CEO Ron Vachris has taken the time to respond directly to customers to confirm that the company offers “equal opportunities and fair pay to all employees,” per the Wall Street Journal. A vote on Jan. 23 could potentially change the company’s framework as it also face a push from the National Center for Public Policy Research. Costco continues to back its current DEI programs, claiming that the initiatives have helped the company grow by over 300,000 employees globally.
Mastercard’s chief inclusion officer, Randall Tucker on the critical role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and 3 keys to getting it right. @FortuneMagazine https://t.co/ziuoZJ6STr #juneteenth
— Mastercard News (@MastercardNews) June 20, 2022
JPMorgan Chase: CEO Jamie Dimon recently reaffirmed that the company will stay committed to its DEI programs. In September, Dimon called himself a “full-throated, red-blooded, patriotic, ‘unwoke,’ capitalist CEO” whose devotion to DEI remains unchanged. A few months earlier, he penned an open letter claiming that the company’s $30 billion racial equity commitment was “nearly completed” and would be permanent for JPMorgan Chase. Dimon also doubled down on his support for DEI by confirming that they help find the best people and help provide “a fair chance for everyone to succeed- regardless of their background.”
CEO Jamie Dimon actually talked about JPMorgan Chase's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in his recent shareholder letter.
— Axios (@axios) April 19, 2024
His words stand out at a time when most CEOs have gone silent — or openly hostile — on these programs.
https://t.co/NMH8MIsczL
Mastercard: Mastercard’s Chief Administrative Officer Tim Murphy stated that they remained “committed to creating a global corporate environment where all people are treated equally and fairly and have equal access to opportunities and advancement” as attacks against DEI in the company ramped up. The company has repeatedly pushed for DEI initiatives that support a workplace where everyone can thrive regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.
