Polls
Do You Believe Costco Should Abandon Its “Woke” DEI Policies?

Do You Believe Costco Should Abandon Its “Woke” DEI Policies?
Here’s The Scoop
In a move that has left many shaking their heads, Costco shareholders have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal challenging the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. But the activists leading the charge against what they see as Costco’s “woke” business practices are not backing down.
Ethan Peck, deputy director for the National Center for Public Policy Research’s Free Enterprise Project (NCPR), emphasized that opposition from a company’s board is par for the course in these situations. “Nearly every shareholder proposal, regardless of topic, is opposed by every board,” Peck told Fox News Digital.
The NCPR had urged Costco executives to examine how their DEI policies might impact the company’s financial performance. Yet, Costco’s board of directors unanimously dismissed this effort. Costco Chairman Hamilton “Tony” James defended the company’s stance, highlighting the importance of inclusivity for their over 300,000 employees. A staggering 98% of shareholders voted against the NCPR’s proposal.
Despite this setback, Peck remains optimistic, drawing parallels to other major corporations like Walmart and McDonald’s, which have reconsidered their DEI strategies in the past. “Just months before Boeing dropped DEI, they opposed our shareholder proposal requesting an audit of their DEI efforts,” Peck noted, suggesting that Costco might follow suit by the end of the year.
Costco stands as a prominent exception amid a growing trend of companies reevaluating or abandoning DEI policies. These policies often involve integrating racial or gender considerations into hiring practices and workplace diversity training. Jeff Raikes, a Costco board member and former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has been a vocal advocate for DEI, arguing that businesses should “maximize” these initiatives.
While some argue that DEI drives innovation and economic growth, others, like former President Donald Trump, have criticized such policies. In a recent speech at Davos, Trump labeled DEI as “discriminatory” and “absolute nonsense,” aligning with his previous executive orders banning DEI in the federal government.
The debate over DEI continues to be a flashpoint in corporate America, with many questioning whether these policies truly benefit businesses and the economy or if they merely serve as a vehicle for political correctness. As the conversation unfolds, all eyes will be on Costco to see if it will maintain its current course or pivot in response to mounting pressure.
What do you think? Let us know by participating in our poll, or join the discussion in the comment section below!

Dave
February 1, 2025 at 7:21 am
While I don’t have a Costco membership, knowing that management positions are filled based on quote filling instead of the best qualified person. My team consists of the best qualified people regardless minority status. It’s a ashame and why we are no longer the best in the world
Bob
February 1, 2025 at 8:14 am
If you seek quantity over quality DEI is the answer. Disaster Ending Inclusion is the result of the last four years of wokeness.
Retired4ever
February 1, 2025 at 10:42 am
I’ve been a member since shortly after the first “Price Club” store was opened, and an executive member since they began the executive member program. In recent years I’ve found you have to shop & compare with Costco. Now with this policy(DEI) I’ll rethink my membership, prices keep going up for items and memberships & I’m frequently finding items elsewhere for significantly less.
Frank W Brown
February 1, 2025 at 1:14 pm
Be WOKE, GO BROKE, time for a little BOYCOTT of these idiots!!!
Thomas
February 1, 2025 at 2:56 pm
Whatever happened to the work ethic. Do they have a work history of good employment. Show up on time do your job, leave when the job is complete and don’t expect different treatment than any other employee. If you are from Mars and can do the job the employer wants that should be the answer.
Jerry C.
February 1, 2025 at 6:17 pm
DEI is Discrimination, period.
Joan
February 2, 2025 at 12:05 am
All DEI policies are racist. Only the best people should be hired for a job. Any person who believes in DEI are saying that some races are not as good as others.
Brian Tischler
February 5, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Please give us the identity of all 3 on board of the Helicopter.
I have only seen 2 identified, who is the third person ?