These 18 companies are keeping DEI programs, from Apple to Costco

In his first days in office, President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders aimed at ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs in both the federal government and in private sector companies.

The orders mandate that companies and federal offices end "illegal DEI" efforts, although the difference between those and legal anti-discrimination efforts remains unclear.

A federal district judge in Maryland preliminarily blocked the enforcement of the orders in late February, saying they are overly vague and violate free speech rights. However, on Mar. 14, an appeals court ruled that the Trump administration can enforce the orders as a challenge works its way through the legal system.

In anticipation of legal challenges, over 30 major companies have rolled back equity-oriented programs and removed language from their websites that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. This has led to boycotts from consumers protesting the changes.

Others have doubled down in their commitments to DEI-focused policies. Here are 18 that haven't changed anything.

Tech and finance companies that have kept DEI programs

• Apple: Apple shareholders rejected a proposal to end the company's DEI programs, CBS reported on Feb. 26. These programs include partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and a racial equity initiative that provides training and outreach in downtown Detroit.
• Delta Air Lines: In a quarterly earnings call in January, Delta's executive vice president said that the company remains committed to DEI because "really, DE&I is about talent, and that's been our focus."
• JPMorgan Chase: The bank's CEO has confirmed the company's commitment to environmentally conscious policies and those that target underrepresented groups, such as employee groups and fellowship programs aimed at Black and Latino students.
• Microsoft: Despite laying off two DEI-related employees, Microsoft has publicly committed to keeping its diversity and inclusion policies. The company's chief diversity officer posted on LinkedIn in July 2024 that "Microsoft's original mission required a commitment to diversity and inclusion."

Food and grocery stores that have kept DEI

• Ben & Jerry’s: The ice cream company has a long history of supporting progressive causes; in 2024, it sued its parent company Unilever, claiming that the company stifled Ben & Jerry’s social activism regarding the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Ben & Jerry’s has no plans to change its DEI commitments, which include public support for Black Lives Matter.
• Coca-Cola: As of the time of writing, the company still has a page on its website devoted to diversity, equity and inclusion; however, Coca-Cola's chief financial officer said in February that the company will comply with federal regulations and make changes as needed.
• Costco: In January, the board of directors and then shareholders rejected a proposal to report "the risks of maintaining DEI efforts." The retailer continues to report race and gender data of its employees as well as hosting "inclusive conversations" in its workforce, according to its website.
• Kroger: The grocery retailer has kept its DEI commitments on its website. Its programs include racial awareness training for leaders and equity review of internal practices.

Cosmetic and clothing companies that kept DEI

• e.l.f. Cosmetics: The beauty brand is one of only two publicly traded companies with a board that’s more than 75% female and 75% people of color. In an interview with CNN in January, the brand's CEO defended the company's commitment to DEI.
• Francesca's: The clothing store's CEO posted on LinkedIn in January that "respect and inclusion are good for business."
• Lush: The bath and beauty supply company made its stance clear when it temporarily changed the names of its three most popular bath bombs to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Macy's: The department store has not changed its policies and retains a chief DE&I officer.
• Nordstrom: The department store still has a page on its website stating that "we're all made better by the diversity that exists within our communities." Nordstrom released a 2023 impact report looking at the diversity of its suppliers and the amount of time and money donated to social causes.
• Old Navy: The clothing company remains committed to its DEI programs, such as doubling the representation of Black and Latinx employees at U.S. offices by 2025, according to its website.
• Patagonia: The outdoor apparel and gear company told CNBC that it would not roll back DEI policies. “We stand firm in support of our justice, equity and antiracism policies and practices,” Patagonia said.
• Sephora: Sephora has signed a pledge to dedicate 15% of shelf space to Black-owned brands and remains committed to diversity, Beauty Independent reported.
• TJ Maxx: The discount clothing retailer remains "strongly committed to continuing to build a more inclusive and diverse workplace," according to its website.
• Ulta: Ulta's CEO said that the beauty company remains committed to DEI and invested $75 million dollars into its programs in 2021 and 2022 combined, Beauty Independent reported. It also launched MUSE Accelerator, a 10-week training program for beauty brand creators from marginalized groups.

Reach the reporter at reia.li@gannett.com. Follow @reia_reports on Instagram.