Costco Shareholders Reject Anti-DEI Proposal

Costco shareholders rejected a proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research urging the company to evaluate risks associated with its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. Over 98% of shares voted against the proposal, with Costco's board unanimously recommending its rejection, citing the importance of respect and inclusion for creativity and customer satisfaction. This decision contrasts with other major consumer brands like Walmart, McDonald s, John Deere, Amazon (company), and Meta Platforms, which have scaled back their DEI initiatives. The National Center for Public Policy Research, emboldened by a United States Supreme Court decision outlawing affirmative action in college admissions, has also submitted a similar, more radical proposal to Apple Inc. and alleges that Costco's DEI practices could lead to discrimination against white, Asian, male, or straight employees. Meanwhile, Donald Trump signed an executive order to terminate DEI programs within federal agencies and plans to leverage the United States — United States Department of Justice to probe private companies. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon publicly defended his bank's DEI policies, supporting expanded diversity goals.