McDonald's is the latest major company to pull back on diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Here's what the DEI rollbacks mean.

McDonald’s cited a “shifting legal landscape” after a U.S. Supreme Court decision outlawed affirmative action in college admissions but a shifting political landscape may also have played a role.

McDonald's announced Monday that it is "retiring" some of its diversity, equity and inclusion goals and will rebrand its team focused on the matter. Among the goals the company is ending or pausing are diversity quotas, a program that had the company work with suppliers on growing diversity in their ranks and external surveys on DEI.

McDonald's is retiring its goal for diversity in corporate leadership and shifting away from some diversity practices, citing a "shifting legal landscape" in the United States in an open letter sent to employees and franchise owners.

McDonald’s is next in line for companies retracting their commitments in the DEI space. According to NBC News, the fast food giant had been intentional within the space following several lawsuits that had been filed by former Black owners for discrimination and sexual harassment.

Fast food giant McDonald’s has become the latest company to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) commitments following the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision ending affirmative action in college admissions.