Costco defies shareholder pressure and reaffirms its strong commitment to DEI, prioritizing an inclusive workplace despite concerns raised about potential risks.

Walmart, John Deere, Tractor Supply and other companies are changing or walking away from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in response to right-wing pressure. But Costco believes DEI improves its business and is standing behind its efforts.

Costco’s board of directors adamantly urged shareholders to vote against efforts to limit the company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) after receiving a proposal included in their annual notice to shareholders from the National Center for Public Policy Research to strike “discriminatory practices.