Lowe’s Adjusts DEI Strategy, Citing Legal & Inclusivity Concerns

Home improvement giant Lowe’s has announced a reduction in its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, joining a growing number of companies reassessing their programmes following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to ban affirmative action in college admissions. The decision also comes in response to a wave of conservative backlash online.

According to an internal memo shared with The Associated Press, Lowe’s executive leadership stated that the company began reevaluating its DEI programmes after the court’s July 2023 ruling. The retailer has since decided to consolidate its resource groups, which previously represented various diverse employee populations, into a single umbrella organisation.

Additionally, Lowe’s will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual survey assessing workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. The company has also opted to cease sponsoring and participating in events, such as festivals and parades, that are not directly related to its core business areas.

The memo emphasised that these changes were made to ensure Lowe’s policies remain “lawful” and consistent with its commitment to inclusivity. “We may make additional changes over time,” the leadership team noted, but assured employees that the company’s dedication to its workforce remains unchanged.

Lowe’s spokesperson Steve Salazar clarified in an email that these adjustments were part of long-planned internal changes, unrelated to recent social media discussions. The memo did not specify the exact timeline for implementing these changes, though it mentioned they were discussed at a meeting on 21 August.

In recent days, Lowe’s has also addressed a separate issue circulating on social media. A digitally altered image falsely attributed a quote to Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison, suggesting that conservatives dissatisfied with the company’s values should shop at rival Home Depot. Lowe’s refuted the claim on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Lowe’s CEO did not make this comment. Everyone is welcome at Lowe’s.”

Since taking over as CEO in 2018, Ellison, who is Black and grew up in segregated rural Tennessee, has diversified the company’s leadership by increasing the representation of women and ethnically diverse leaders. He has also been vocal about racial injustice, particularly following the 2020 protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd.

The reduction in DEI initiatives at Lowe’s mirrors a broader trend across various industries, where companies face increasing pressure from anti-DEI activists and legal challenges following the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action.