Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is like the studio album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” — critically acclaimed by some, misunderstood by others, and a constant source of debate. Whether celebrated or criticized, DEI has become one of the most polarizing issues in corporate America. And let’s be honest: When companies start scaling back on DEI, it’s not just a boardroom shuffle — it’s a move that disproportionately impacts the Black community.

This polarizing environment extends beyond corporate America. According to the Associated Press, President Donald Trump made waves with executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI programs within the federal government. Among these was the rescission of Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action for federal contractors, a policy originally designed to level the playing field for underrepresented groups, as well as nondiscrimination.

In addition, DEI offices were defunded, DEI employees were laid off, diversity training programs were canceled, and federal agencies were instructed to scrub DEI resources from their platforms. These moves, touted as an alleged shift toward merit-based policies, sparked a widespread backlash from civil rights groups and equity advocates who argue that such actions ignore the complexities of inequality, damage decades of progress, and undercut that DEI policies were never a replacement for merit.

Now, more than ever, people are watching which companies are taking real action and which are relying on empty promises.

As highlighted in a Yahoo Finance report, some companies are doubling down on DEI, proving their commitment isn’t just a passing phase, while others are quietly stepping back as if it’s gone out of style. These decisions matter because the brands we support — and the dollars we spend — can drive real change. Below, we examine the companies scaling back their DEI initiatives and those reinforcing their efforts, shedding light on how these choices could shape the future of equity and inclusion in corporate America.

Companies Rolling Back DEI Policies

Meta (formerly Facebook)

Meta disbanded its DEI team and canceled key equity-focused programs as part of significant workforce reductions in 2023 and 2024. This rollback starkly contrasts with Meta’s earlier reputation as a leader in fostering diversity and highlights how tech companies are increasingly prioritizing cost-cutting measures over workplace inclusivity.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s discontinued its supplier diversity training programs and removed diversity goals for senior leadership positions. This move signals a shift in the fast-food giant’s DEI priorities, raising questions about accountability in industries serving diverse customer bases.

Walmart

Walmart has eliminated the use of race and gender as factors when awarding supplier contracts, marking a step back from its earlier DEI initiatives. The rollback reflects a growing reevaluation of DEI programs in large retail corporations under public and political pressure.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s ended its sponsorship of LGBTQ+ events and withdrew from the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Index. The company’s shift away from external-facing DEI programs illustrates a broader trend of scaling back public displays of inclusivity in the face of backlash.

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson reduced its DEI initiatives, though specific program cuts were not disclosed. This rollback underscores the challenges of maintaining robust DEI programs in legacy industries where change often comes slowly.

Boeing

Boeing dissolved its DEI department amid workforce cuts, signaling a significant shift away from its previous commitments to diversity and inclusion.

John Deere

John Deere scaled back its DEI investments, although details remain unclear. This move highlights resistance to DEI initiatives in sectors like agriculture, which often face less pressure to adapt to inclusivity trends.

Target

Target has significantly rolled back its DEI initiatives, including reducing diversity-focused training and altering its supplier diversity goals. The company’s decision comes amid ongoing political and consumer backlash, as well as broader challenges within the retail sector. While Target previously positioned itself as a leader in inclusivity, this rollback has raised concerns about its long-term commitment to equity and representation in both its workforce and supplier network.

Disney

According to Forbes, Dinsey responded to some backlash from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis by scaling back some of its DEI initiatives. While there were no specific details, the quiet scaling back of programs signals how external pressures can impact a company’s decisions.

Companies Doubling Down On DEI

Apple

Apple reaffirmed its commitment to DEI by urging shareholders to vote against proposals that sought to dismantle such programs. The company emphasized that fostering a “culture of belonging” is critical to innovation and success.

Microsoft

Microsoft continues to champion DEI, highlighting its importance in building better products and services for a global audience. The company’s steadfast approach signals its belief in DEI as a driver of creativity and competitive advantage. After dismantling its department, the tech giant doubled down on its need for DEI policies and strategies.

JPMorgan Chase

Despite pressure from activist shareholders, CEO Jamie Dimon reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to engaging diverse communities, including Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, and veterans. This reinforces JPMorgan’s leadership in setting DEI standards in the financial sector.

Goldman Sachs

CEO David Solomon defended Goldman Sachs’ DEI programs against calls to scale them back, asserting that these initiatives are integral to maintaining an inclusive and high-performing workplace.

Costco

Despite external pressures, Costco maintained its DEI policy, with 98% of shareholders voting to uphold the company’s inclusivity initiatives when confronted with a proposal to end them. This underscores the alignment between Costco’s DEI focus and shareholder confidence.

Delta Air Lines

Delta reaffirmed its commitment to DEI and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts during a recent earnings call, emphasizing their importance to its business strategy.

Ancestry

Ancestry employs data-driven strategies to promote equity, belonging, and fair pay across its workforce, demonstrating the role of technology in advancing DEI goals.

Mitre

Mitre is refining its DEI strategies by leveraging data to enhance fair pay, belonging, and employee experiences, showing the importance of innovative approaches to inclusion.

Cisco

Under CEO Chuck Robbins, Cisco has doubled down on its commitment to DEI, emphasizing that equity and inclusion are critical to both employee well-being and business success. The company has implemented initiatives like supplier diversity programs and internal equity audits to ensure its values translate into measurable action, reinforcing its leadership in the tech industry.

Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s has doubled down on its longstanding commitment to DEI, maintaining its focus on social and racial justice despite mounting criticism from MAGA supporters and Trump-aligned groups. Known for weaving activism into its brand identity, the ice cream maker has faced renewed boycott calls for refusing to abandon equity initiatives as other companies retreat.

e.l.f. Beauty

e.l.f. Beauty has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to DEI, standing out as one of the few companies actively expanding its equity efforts in 2025. The company continues to prioritize diverse representation in its workforce and marketing while also increasing investments in community partnerships and supplier diversity. This approach underscores e.l.f.’s belief that inclusivity is integral to innovation and business success, even as some competitors scale back.

The Long Road Ahead

Companies’ decisions regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just internal matters — they send a clear message about their values and priorities to employees, consumers, and communities alike. While some businesses are making bold commitments to stay the course, others have chosen to step back, leaving many questioning their dedication to progress.

Bloomberg suggests that the increase in corporations rolling back DEI policies is likely the result of pressure from large fiscal supporters or the threat of losing federal funding. The heightened political backlash combined with growing criticism and legal challenges targeting DEI programs has organizations wasting little time in making decisions.

Conversely, some organizations have been highly visible in the equity space but remain quiet on their future plans, leaving their stance unclear. Additionally, not every company has publicly addressed its DEI strategy, but one thing is certain: The world is watching. As the cultural and political ecosystem continue to evolve, more organizations will inevitably be forced to pick a side — whether by external pressures or internal reflection.

Ultimately, these decisions matter. They shape workplace cultures, influence consumer trust, and contribute to broader societal progress — or lack thereof.  Individuals hold power in the choices they make, from the brands they support to the conversations they spark. Because at the end of the day, the fight for equity isn’t just corporate — it’s personal, and it’s ongoing.