Summary
Costco is resisting a shareholder proposal urging an evaluation of potential business risks linked to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The proposal argues that Costco’s DEI initiatives pose litigation, reputational, and financial risks.
Costco believes its commitment to inclusion is essential and that the requested report would not provide valuable information. This stance contrasts with other major companies, which have scaled back DEI programs due to pressures from conservative groups and the Trump administration.
Costco’s support for DEI sets it apart from other companies facing similar pressures.
Costco wanted to put a store in a lower working class black neighborhood in my city. Rich and upper middle class white people were all for it, people of color and working class people were against it. It got ugly in city council meetings. People said some racist AF stuff on public record. Guess who won. They bulldozed a perfectly wonderful neighborhood. Displacing a community. Happens all too often under the guise of “this time, it is not racist and classist.” Point being even the most DEI centered companies aren’t in it for our interests. It’s all about profit for the top folks. This news is good and I’m super glad for their workforce but please don’t stan for these companies, they aren’t your friends or neighbors. Stan your neighbors.