Home improvement retailer Lowe’s slashes diversity, equity and inclusion programs

Home improvement retailer Lowe’s discontinued some of its diversity, equity and inclusion programs this week, becoming the latest company to back away from DEI.

In an internal memo, Lowe’s announced that it would be scaling back its DEI programs, consolidating its divisions designed to help minority employees into one umbrella organization.

Additionally, the company said it would no longer participate in surveys conducted by the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group.

Lowe’s also told employees that the company would no longer participate in or sponsor community events like parades or festivals.

The decision by Lowe’s closely followed the closure of other DEI divisions at companies like Harley Davidson and Tractor Supply. Both companies faced heavy backlash from conservatives who saw DEI policies as unconstitutional and “woke.”

While large companies have operated DEI programs for years, the divisions were greatly expanded in the wake of the 2020 police killing of George Floyd. The conservative backlash to that expansion has intensified over the past year after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action initiatives in college admissions.

Other companies that have eliminated or cut their DEI teams include Microsoft, Tesla, Zoom and Home Depot.