Factbox-US companies tweak diversity policies as challenges mount

(Reuters) - More U.S. companies are modifying their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs meant to boost racial and ethnic representation at workplaces amid rising pressure from conservative groups.

At least six major U.S. companies, including JPMorgan Chase, modified their DEI policies last year, according to a Reuters review of corporate statements.

Here is a list of companies that have either dropped the DEI program or made tweaks to some of the policies in 2024:

Company Statement

Starbucks In March, the coffee giant's shareholders voted

for an executive compensation plan that dropped

a bonus related to DEI goals.

Tractor The company in late June said that it would no

Supply longer submit data to the Human Rights Campaign

(HRC), which advocates for LGBTQ rights.

Tractor Supply also said it would eliminate DEI

roles and retire its current DEI goals.

Deere The company in July said that it would not

participate in or support external social or

cultural awareness parades, festivals, or

events. The farm equipment maker also

reaffirmed that the existence of diversity

quotas and pronoun identification have never

been and are not company policy.

Harley-Dav In August, the motorcycle manufacturer said it

idson would not participate in the HRC survey and had

ended its DEI initiatives.

Brown-Form The Jack Daniel maker has said it would ensure

an that executive incentives and employee goals

are tied to business performance, end

participation in the HRC survey and scrap its

quantitative workforce and supplier diversity

goals.

Lowe's The home improvement chain will no longer

participate in HRC surveys and will combine its

various business resource groups that represent

diverse employees into one umbrella

organization. Lowe's said in August it would

not sponsor or participate in community events

such as parades, festivals, or fair.

(Reporting by Ananya Mariam Rajesh in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)