Molson Coors rolls back DEI policies amid US corporate trend

Molson Coors has decided to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, a move that aligns with a growing trend among U.S. companies distancing themselves from progressive policies. This decision was communicated to employees through a letter from the leadership team, which outlined plans to broaden the understanding of DEI to ensure inclusivity for all employees. The company has ceased DEI training sessions now that all employees have completed them and will no longer pursue defined supplier diversity goals. Starting next year, the compensation of executives will be linked solely to business performance, eliminating any aspirational representation goals. Additionally, Molson Coors will withdraw from the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, which assesses corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ employees. This shift reflects a broader movement among corporations responding to pressure from conservative activists. Robby Starbuck, a conservative activist, has been vocal in his campaign against what he terms 'woke' corporate policies, and his efforts have influenced several companies, including Ford and John Deere, to reevaluate their DEI strategies. The changes at Molson Coors are part of a larger narrative in corporate America, where companies are increasingly prioritizing shareholder interests over social activism. As the landscape of corporate governance evolves, Molson Coors' decision signifies a potential pivot towards neutrality in corporate policies, suggesting a reevaluation of how companies engage with social issues and the implications for their workforce and public image.