Alignment: Publicly rolled back portions of its DEI program in August 2024 — ended participation in the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, consolidated employee resource groups into one, and stopped sponsoring Pride parades and other external community events — joining Ford and Tractor Supply in the conservative-pressure DEI retreat.
Summary
Lowe’s, the North Carolina-based home-improvement retailer, announced in August 2024 that it would scale back its DEI program, citing the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision against race-conscious college admissions and explicit pressure from conservative activist Robby Starbuck. The company consolidated employee resource groups, ended outside Pride/community event sponsorships, and stopped participating in the HRC Corporate Equality Index.
Claims & Sources
Claim 1: Lowe’s changed some DEI policies amid conservative pressure in August 2024.
Source: Associated Press — Lowe’s changes some DEI policies amid legal attacks.
DEI hiring goals & quotas (heavy-weighted criterion): In August 2024, Lowe’s announced it would end participation in the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, consolidate employee resource groups, and stop sponsoring events tied to race- or sexuality-based community organizations.
Source: Reuters — Lowe’s becomes latest US firm to roll back DEI policies