Molson Coors has joined the ranks of companies that are reversing their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. In an internal memo obtained by CNBC, executives at Molson Coors announced that the company will be eliminating supplier diversity quotas. They cited the complexity of these quotas and stated that they can be influenced by factors beyond the company’s control. Despite this change, Molson Coors has emphasized that they will still ensure their suppliers reflect the diversity of their consumer base.
Shift in Focus
One of the key changes outlined in the memo is the decision to rebrand the Employee Resource Groups at Molson Coors as Business Resource Groups. This move signifies a shift in focus towards key business objectives rather than solely DEI-based initiatives. Additionally, the company will no longer participate in voluntary third-party company rankings, such as the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. This decision comes after Molson Coors previously received a perfect score of 100 in this ranking.
Molson Coors also revealed plans to develop a new iteration of company trainings that will prioritize key business objectives over DEI-focused content. The company stated that all current U.S. employees have already participated in DEI-based training programs, indicating a shift towards a new focus in their training curriculum.
Charitable Giving Focus
The company shared that all corporate charitable giving programs will now be aligned with supporting core business goals, such as alcohol responsibility, disaster relief efforts, and promoting access to higher education. This marks a change from their previous initiatives, which included raising over $700,000 for LGBTQ+-focused organizations through the “Tap Into Change” program since 2011.
While conservative activist Robby Starbuck characterized these changes as a preemptive response to his probe into the company’s DEI practices, Molson Coors clarified in the memo that the decision had been in progress since March. The company emphasized that these changes are not intended to impact the benefits provided to employees or to diminish their commitment to fostering an inclusive culture.
Molson Coors’ decision to reverse their DEI policies comes amidst a broader trend within the retail industry. Tractor Supply, Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, and Ford are among the companies that have recently scaled back their DEI efforts. This shift follows a renewed interest in corporate DEI practices in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.
Concerns for the Future
The reversal of affirmative action in academic institutions has raised concerns within the corporate sector about the potential impact on DEI initiatives. While the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action in colleges does not directly affect corporate practices, there is apprehension that the anti-DEI sentiment could permeate the business landscape. Companies like Molson Coors are navigating these challenges as they adapt their DEI strategies in response to changing trends and external pressures.
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