Costco reaffirms commitment to diversity equity and inclusion initiatives

Costco is reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, unlike many U.S. companies that are scaling back. CEO Ron Vachris has addressed customer concerns, stating the company does not use quotas but focuses on equal opportunities. A shareholder vote on January 23 could impact Costco's DEI programs. If a proposal to reassess these initiatives passes, changes may occur. If rejected, Costco will maintain its current DEI framework, which the board supports as aligned with its core values. The National Center for Public Policy Research is pushing shareholders to reject Costco's DEI practices, claiming they are discriminatory. Despite this, Costco's board argues that diversity is essential for employee satisfaction and business growth.