McDonald’s is ending some of its DEI practices

CNN — McDonald’s is the latest US corporation — and among the largest — to back off some of its diversity, equity and inclusion practices, as a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action and conservative backlash to those programs continues to lead businesses to reevaluate their diversity pledges. “This name change is more fitting for McDonald’s in light of our inclusion value and better aligns with this team’s work,” McDonald’s said in the statement. McDonald’s said 30% of its leaders in the United States were from underrepresented groups and 78% of employees “scored McDonald’s positively” in the company’s employee pulse survey. “Among other things, a diverse group of employees helps bring originality and creativity to our merchandise offerings, promoting the ‘treasure hunt’ that our customers value,” Costco said in its proxy statement to investors. McDonald’s said it will not cut franchisee affinity groups and business networks, which “promote entrepreneurship and foster supportive connections.” It will continue reporting company demographics each year, McDonald’s said in the statement, and remain committed to pay equity.