"Going to go the same way Bud Light did"— Costco anti-DEI movement explained as internet reacts to pushback against shareholders

The board of directors for the popular multinational corporation Costco has recently dismissed the request of shareholders on December 28, 2024, to remove the DEI policies, which refer to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The news comes after the shareholders advised the company to recheck the policies, fearing that it could lead to discrimination problems at the workplace.

According to The Hill, the board additionally requested the shareholders to vote against the attempts to restrict the company's DEI policies. Certain companies, like Walmart, have already opted to distance themselves from DEI policies.

The proposal to re-evaluate Costco's DEI policies was put forward by the National Center for Public Policy Research. A report by CNN on December 28 stated that the company is unwilling to let go of the DEI since they believe it will bring more employees and changes in services provided at the stores. While making their request to the shareholders, the company said in its statement:

"We believe (and member feedback shows) that many of our members like to see themselves reflected in the people in our warehouses with whom they interact."

Netizens have already started posting their reactions below the comments section of a post shared by William Ross Jr. Knee Deep through X (formerly Twitter). One of them also wrote:

"Give it time Costco's going to go the same way Bud light did."

The response referred to Bud Light's report of low sales on July 18 this year which was a result of transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney joining the brand back in 2023. According to Forbes magazine, the beer brand reached third in sales throughout the US.

Users continued reacting to Costco's decision, with a few people criticizing them for deciding to not let go of the DEI policies.

"Reaffirming their dedication to DEI practices just increases my commitment to not support Costco", a user wrote on X.

"Glad I ended my membership during COVID, I don't want virtue signaling from my stores", one of the reactions reads.

"Welp, then I absolutely will NOT be renewing my membership", an X user stated.

On the other hand, people even supported Costco for not agreeing to the demands of the shareholders.

"Excellent! DEI is still necessary when there are people who want it stopped", an X user wrote.

"Gonna go out on a limb and continue shopping at Costco because I like their products and prices and I'll give no thought to their DEI practices as it's their business to run as they see fit", a netizen commented.

"The people who think they don't need DEI training are usually the ones who need it the most", another X reaction mentioned.

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Costco's response statement to the shareholders explained in brief

Latin Times stated on December 28, 2024, that the company's board was approached by the shareholders worried about the DEI policies since they thought the employees might become victims of illegal discrimination. The Hill reported on the same day that a similar thing was pointed out by the National Center for Public Policy.

In a lengthy statement, Costco's board of directors unanimously recommended voting against the proposal on December 28, saying that they follow their code of ethics when it comes to their efforts revolved around "diversity, equity, and inclusion." They further stated:

"For our employees, these efforts are build around inclusion – having all of our employees feel valued and respected. Our efforts at diversity, equity and inclusion remind and reinforce with everyone at our Company the importance of creating opportunities for all."

Costco's board of directors mentioned that they are always satisfied when they can offer satisfaction to a "diverse group of employees", who can bring originality and creativity to their merchandise offerings. The statement also reads that the company has always welcomed people "from all walks of life and backgrounds."

The annual shareholders meeting is now scheduled for January 23 next year. As per Newsweek, the shareholders before November 15 will only get the opportunity to vote during the meeting, which will be held on a live webcast.