Lowe's, the home improvement giant, is reportedly scaling back on several diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
An internal memo, cited by Reuters, reveals that Lowe's is the latest big corporation to tweak its DEI policies.
The company is said to be pulling out of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) surveys, which is a significant move. The HRC's Corporate Equality Index is a well-known tool for assessing LGBTQ+ workplace policies.
Lowe's is also reportedly discontinuing its support for parades and festivals, a shift in its internal policies.
For years, Lowe's has been a supporter of the Human Rights Campaign, often touting its rankings in corporate media.
In 2019, the company proudly shared on social media, "Lowe's is recognized as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign. We take pride in that. Happy Pride Month!"
Regional stores have participated in local pride parades, and the chain has backed LGBT initiatives enthusiastically in the past.
The full impact of Lowe's policy changes remains uncertain, but it reflects a broader trend. More corporations, like Tractor Supply and John Deere, are stepping back from DEI-focused initiatives recently.