Charlotte Pride condemns Lowe’s after retailer details cuts to DEI and LGBTQ programs

Charlotte Pride said it “condemns” and is “disheartened” by Lowe’s and other corporations and institutions that are cutting diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the group said Wednesday.

On Monday, the home improvement chain became the latest company to scale back on DEI work following last year’s Supreme Court decision reversing affirmative action policies in college admissions and amid conservative activists’ backlash.

Charlotte Pride is urging corporate partners like Mooresville-based Lowe’s — a longtime supporter of its annual August parade and festival — the UNC System and other organizations to recommit to DEI initiatives.

NC LGBTQ group ‘caught off guard’ as Lowe’s ends DEI programs amid conservative backlash

DEI programs and resource groups create safe spaces for people with shared identities, interests or goals to share challenges, discuss shared experiences and support each other professional and personally, Charlotte Pride said in a news release Wednesday afternoon.

“In the face of growing challenges for our state’s LGBTQ+ citizens, it is more important than ever to stand in solidarity as a united community and to uplift each and every person,” the nonprofit said.

Another Charlotte-based group, Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, was “caught off guard” by Lowe’s decision, director of operations Abby Mederos told The Charlotte Observer Wednesday. The chamber and Lowe’s officials were meeting Tuesday and Wednesday about changes in their partnership.

The chamber expects to have more information later this week, Mederos said.

Lowe’s, corporate DEI retreat

On Monday, the Mooresville-based home improvement chain said in an internal memo that the company was changing its DEI policies. Most are LGBTQ+-related. Lowe’s launched a multi-year program to integrate diversity and inclusion initiatives in 2019.

Lowe’s said it is shifting focus to projects that “align with our business” affordable housing, disaster relief and skilled trades education. The company will no longer participate in Human Rights Campaign survey or LGBTQ surveys, or support community events “outside of this scope,” such as festivals, parades and fairs.

The chain has 1,700 stores nationwide and 300,000 workers, including 11,000 in the Charlotte region.

DEI programs ensure that workplaces do not feel isolating or hostile, Charlotte Pride said.

“We call on corporations, organizations, and institutions to strengthen their support for DEI programs and for employees, stakeholders, and customers who represent a variety of identities and perspectives,” the group said.

Lowe’s did not immediately respond for comment Wednesday regarding Charlotte Pride’s statement.

Charlotte Pride said it’s hopeful other corporate partners and institutions will reaffirm their commitment to recognize that DEI programs are essential for the long-term success and sustainability.

Lowe’s isn’t the only company to recently drop DEI policies. Others include Tractor Supply, John Deere, Harley Davidson, Polaris and Indian Motorcycle.

DEI program elimination is a ‘setback’

Earlier this month, UNC Charlotte closed three DEI offices.

That followed the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors’ decision in May to eliminate DEI programs across the university system ends years of progress toward a more inclusive and equitable environment for students, faculty and staff.

Charlotte HBCU president says UNC system’s DEI policy repeal is ‘disservice’ to students

“These impactful programs sent a clear message that diversity and inclusion were priorities within the UNC system,” Charlotte Pride said Wednesday. “The decision to eliminate them represents a setback not only for the people whom these programs served, but for the institution as a whole.”