The NAACP has released a Tactical Spending Guide with the primary aim of empowering Black consumers. This guide serves as an informational tool and a call to action, ensuring that corporate accountability remains a priority, particularly in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
Over the past few years, many companies made highly publicized commitments to racial equity. However, under increasing political, legal, and financial pressures, some have cut funding, eliminated DEI roles, and deprioritized diversity efforts (Sarkar, 2023).
These decisions directly impact Black professionals, businesses, and consumers, creating barriers to career advancement, reducing supplier diversity, and undermining commitments to workplace equity (Holmes, 2023). This is a matter of urgent concern.
Intentional spending and strategic advocacy have the power to influence corporate behavior. The NAACP's guide provides a framework for this, but it is important to remember that real change depends on how Black consumers and allies respond. Your actions matter.
Key Findings from the Guide
Major corporations across multiple industries have scaled back their DEI commitments, affecting employment, supplier diversity, and Black-owned business partnerships. While some companies remain dedicated to DEI, others have quietly abandoned their initiatives without public acknowledgment.
Confirmed Companies Scaling Back DEI
Walmart
Reduced funding for specific DEI initiatives and did not renew its commitment to the Center for Racial Equity (Parker, 2023). While maintaining some diversity programs, the company has deprioritized previous DEI efforts.
Disney
Restructured DEI initiatives and removed references to specific DEI programs (Whitten, 2023). The company now focuses on "business outcomes," signaling a shift from previous diversity efforts.
Goldman Sachs
Ended its formal board diversity policy and scaled back DEI initiatives (Son, 2023). The financial institution has shifted its stance on corporate diversity commitments.
Amazon
Reduced DEI hiring programs and employee resource groups (Metz, 2023). The company has deprioritized internal DEI-focused hiring efforts.
Meta (Facebook)
Terminated major DEI programs and reduced DEI staff (Rodriguez, 2023). Meta has significantly scaled back its internal diversity initiatives.
Rescinded DEI hiring targets and is reviewing its DEI programs (Guynn, 2023). The company has pulled back on previous diversity hiring efforts.
Companies with Unclear or Limited DEI Reductions
Starbucks
There is no verified evidence that Starbucks has closed its DEI-focused "Community Stores" or laid off DEI staff. However, the company faces a lawsuit regarding alleged discrimination in its DEI policies while publicly reaffirming its commitment to diversity (Day, 2023).
Tesla
Tesla removed DEI references from its annual report but has not confirmed eliminating its DEI team. The company has faced public criticism for its stance on diversity efforts (Morris, 2023).
These rollbacks affect more than corporate offices. Black-owned businesses lose access to supplier contracts, Black professionals face stagnating opportunities, and consumers who value diversity are left with fewer options. Without public accountability, companies can maintain the appearance of inclusion while rolling back policies behind closed doors.
Actionable Steps for Readers
Consumers can influence corporate decisions by making intentional financial choices and advocating for corporate transparency. The NAACP guide is not about boycotts alone but ensuring that economic power is leveraged for meaningful change.
Where to Spend Instead
Supporting businesses that maintain firm DEI commitments ensures that Black economic power is directed toward companies that value diversity. Before purchasing, consumers can research corporate hiring practices, supplier diversity policies, and leadership representation.
Trusted directories for Black-owned businesses:
We Buy Black – A marketplace featuring Black-owned brands across multiple industries.
Official Black Wall Street – A directory of Black-owned businesses nationwide.
Shoppe Black – A curated list of Black-owned brands, from fashion to finance.
Switching everyday purchases—from household products to banking services—to Black-owned brands can create long-term economic empowerment.
How to Hold Companies Accountable
Corporations that silently dismantle DEI must face public scrutiny. Consumers can:
Demand transparency – Contact companies directly and ask about their current DEI commitments, leadership diversity, and supplier diversity policies.
Leverage social media – Tag and challenge corporations on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram to provide updates on their DEI progress.
Sign petitions and join advocacy groups – Support initiatives that push companies to uphold diversity commitments.
Support employee-led diversity efforts – Many DEI rollbacks have happened against the wishes of internal diversity advocates. Amplifying their voices can help sustain pressure.
Policy & Legislative Advocacy
Systemic change requires stronger laws to protect workplace diversity and supplier equity. Consumers can:
Vote for policies that mandate corporate DEI transparency and enforce diversity in hiring.
Support organizations like the NAACP, National Urban League, and Color of Change, which actively push for DEI protections.
Pressure lawmakers to safeguard workplace equity initiatives from political and legal challenges.
A company's DEI strategy should not be performative but measurable, enforceable, and lasting.
Call to Action
Corporate DEI rollbacks directly respond to political and economic pressures, but Black consumers and allies can hold companies accountable through spending, advocacy, and legislation.
Are you reconsidering where you spend your money based on a company's commitment to diversity?
How do you think corporate DEI policies should be enforced?
Let us continue the conversation in the comments and build a movement that demands fundamental change and economic accountability.
Authored: Dr. Ayo Olufade
Embrace every challenge as an invitation to uncover your true potential. In the world of STEAM, curiosity isn't just a tool—it's the spark that ignites innovation, while passion carves the path to lasting impact. Your journey isn't just about mastering knowledge; it's about using your unique talents to illuminate the way for others. Dare to dream big, work with unwavering dedication, and let your light shine brilliantly." Choose STEAM Careers: Shape the Future, Design Your Destiny! ~ Dr. Ayo Olufade, PhD
References (APA 7th Edition)
Day, A. (2023). Starbucks faces lawsuits over alleged discrimination policies by DEI. The Wall Street Journal.
Guynn, J. (2023). Google scales back diversity hiring efforts as scrutiny increases. USA Today.
Holmes, K. (2023). The rise and fall of corporate DEI programs. Harvard Business Review.
Metz, C. (2023). Amazon shifts focus away from DEI hiring programs amid internal changes. The Verge.
Morris, D. (2023). Tesla quietly removes DEI initiatives from annual reports. Bloomberg.
Parker, T. (2023). Walmart reduces funding for racial equity programs, shifting priorities. Reuters.
Rodriguez, S. (2023). Meta lays off DEI staff and restructures diversity efforts. CNBC.
Sarkar, H. (2023). Why corporate America is pulling back on DEI initiatives. Forbes.
Son, H. (2023). Goldman Sachs scales back board diversity policy as priorities shift. Financial Times.
Whitten, S. (2023). Disney restructures DEI initiatives to focus on business outcomes. Variety.
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