Republican attorneys-general call on Costco to end diversity, equity, inclusion policies
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Costco defended the legality of its DEI programmes, saying that its “commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary”.
PHOTO: AFP
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Nineteen Republican attorneys-general called on Costco to end its workforce diversity policies after the bulk retailer became one of few companies to defend its practice.
The state officials advised on Jan 27 in a letter to Costco chief executive officer Ron Vachris that the retailer’s decision to defend its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts goes against the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action.
Last week, Costco fought off an investor proposal at its annual shareholder meeting from a conservative group seeking details of the risks attached to so-called DEI policies.
“I’m putting Costco on notice to do the right thing and eliminate discriminatory DEI,” Iowa Attorney-General Brenna Bird said in a press release.
The pushback from state Republicans comes as US President Donald Trump’s new administration has lashed out at DEI programmes and tried to eliminate them in the federal government and corporate America.
Walmart and Meta are among companies that have rolled back DEI programmes under pressure from conservatives.
Costco defended the legality of its DEI programmes last week, saying that its “commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary”.
Costco did not respond to requests for additional comment.
The attorneys-general, which include those from Texas and Georgia, are demanding Costco advise within 30 days whether it has repealed its DEI policies or explain why it has not done so.
The move comes after Texas Attorney-General Ken Paxton called on Wall Street firms last week to answer questions about their DEI measures. BLOOMBERG
