Lowe’s Faces Backlash Over DEI Efforts, Adjusts Policies Amid Activist Pressure

Home improvement retail chain Lowe's is scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments following pressure from conservative activist Robby Starbuck.

The company announced it will no longer participate in surveys conducted by the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group, and will consolidate its employee resource groups into a single organization.

Lowe's Shifts Focus to Core Business Areas

According to an internal memo shared with USA TODAY, Lowe's plans to focus on safe and affordable housing, disaster relief, and skilled trades education, moving away from its previous DEI efforts.

The decision came after Starbuck, known for targeting companies that support DEI initiatives, influenced Lowe's to reconsider its policies. Starbuck has previously successfully pressured other companies like Tractor Supply, Harley-Davidson, and John Deere to scale back their DEI programs.

Starbuck claimed credit for the shift at Lowe's, stating, "Our movement opposing wokeness carries significant weight that companies cannot afford to overlook." He argued that his campaign represents a broader movement to remove political considerations from the business world.

In response to mounting legal and political challenges against DEI programs, many companies are reevaluating their diversity initiatives. Conservative activists, emboldened by a recent Supreme Court decision that banned affirmative action in colleges, are now focusing on private sector companies. This has led to a rise in legal challenges and calls for companies to reconsider their DEI efforts.

Business Leaders Adjust DEI Strategies Amid Legal Risks, Conservative Backlash

Publicly, many business leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to diversity following high-profile incidents like the killing of George Floyd. However, some are adjusting their DEI strategies behind the scenes, driven by concerns over legal risks and conservative backlash. For instance, some companies are removing mentions of DEI goals from shareholder reports or listing them as potential risks in regulatory filings.

In the wake of Starbuck's campaign, Lowe's joins a growing list of companies that are scaling back DEI initiatives. This shift reflects a broader trend among businesses to reassess their DEI programs in light of increasing criticism and legal scrutiny. Despite these changes, many advocates continue to emphasize the importance of DEI practices in promoting equal access to opportunities and fostering inclusive work environments.

According to The Washington Post, Lowe's recent decision to focus on core business areas and limit its involvement in social advocacy highlights the ongoing debate over the role of DEI in corporate America. As companies navigate this complex landscape, they must balance the demands of various stakeholders while addressing evolving legal and social challenges.