(Reuters) -Corona beer maker Constellation Brands scrapped its diversity, equity and inclusion programs on Tuesday, joining an increasing number of corporations curbing their DEI goals after U.S. President Donald Trump’s opposition to them.
In January, Trump issued an executive order that directed federal agencies to terminate DEI programs and urged private companies to end “illegal DEI discrimination and preferences.”
Over the past year, major companies including Walmart, Target and Amazon.com have rolled back their DEI policies, aimed at women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people and other traditionally underrepresented groups.
The brewer renamed its DEI team to inclusive culture team and changed its supplier diversity program to now focus on local small businesses instead of diverse suppliers, according to a statement by CEO Bill Newlands on its website.
“As we’re all fully aware, we are operating in an increasingly polarized and highly charged environment and a shifting legal landscape related to social and political issues,” Newlands said.
The Modelo Especial owner said it would end its participation in external surveys by an LGBTQ advocacy group and was pausing all activities beyond their core business priorities.
Constellation Brands is set to report its fourth-quarter results after markets close on Wednesday.
Earlier on Tuesday, Barclays scrapped its DEI targets across the United States.
(Reporting by Savyata Mishra in Bengalurul Editing by Maju Samuel)
