Lowe’s becomes latest company to end DEI policies amid growing backlash

Home improvement retailer Lowe’s has scrapped some of its diversity, equity and inclusion programs , becoming the latest US firm to modify such policies meant to boost racial and ethnic representation .

Lowe’s will no longer participate in surveys for Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy group supporting transgender rights, and is also combining its various business resource groups that represent diverse employees into one umbrella organization, an internal memo obtained by Reuters on Monday showed.

The company will not be sponsoring or participating in community events such as parades, festivals, or fairs and might also make additional changes to the policies over time, according to the memo, which was confirmed by a company spokesperson.

Lowe’s follows rival Home Depot with dismal profit forecast: ‘People aren’t moving’

Over the past few years, companies including JPMorgan Chase have faced a larger conservative backlash against diversity initiatives which multiplied after widespread protests following the police killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans in 2020.

Big box retailers peddle Halloween products in July — the earliest ever — amid ‘Summerween’ craze

The protests spotlighted racial and gender disparities in corporate leadership.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR MORNING REPORT NEWSLETTER

Some companies have received public shareholder letters since 2021 claiming their DEI programs constitute illegal discrimination and a breach of directors’ duties to investors.

Groups opposed to diversity policies have also been energized by the US Supreme Court ruling in June 2023 that struck down affirmative action in university admission decisions.

Lowe’s began reviewing its diversity and inclusion programs around the same time, the memo showed.

For top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com.