Major Companies Face Criticism: Updates on Goldman Sachs, Coca-Cola, Berkshire Hathaway, and Others [May 2025]
It's Going Down: Companies Buck the Anti-DEI Wave
Kick back and glean some fresh insights on the corporate scene as we delve into the latest developments on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This month, more firms are stepping up to confront the anti-DEI movement, proving that a diverse workforce is a vital piece of their business strategy.
buckle up, culture warriors! Here's the lowdown on the latest adjustments and flare-ups at Berkshire Hathaway, Bristol Myers Squibb, Coca-Cola, Goldman Sachs, and Levi's.
Berkshire Hathaway
Is the NCPPR (National Center for Public Policy Research) cuttin' ripped about Berkshire Hathaway's DEI efforts? Well, the company ain't standin' for it. The NCPPR ruffled feathers by proposin' an audit of the company's race-based programs, but Berkshire Hathaway shot that down in a proxy statement [2][4]. They believe their current policies hold up under the law and that a legal audit ain't necessary. Shareholders backed that opinion and rejected the anti-DEI proposal.
Bristol Myers Squibb
The National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) took a whack at Bristol Myers Squibb, tryin' to shut down their DEI efforts in a proposition [2]. The company ain't takin' that lying down. They value an inclusive workforce, argue it's crucial to comply with non-discrimination laws, and believes it boosts their bottom line. They ain't shakin' up their DEI plans just yet.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola has been standin' strong on diversity, but there's no info on recent changes or proposals [2]. They've faced their fair share of DEI challenges in the past and generally stick to their guns on this issue.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman made a swing at DEI with their "One Million Black Women" program, investin' big in Black women four years back [Wall Street Journal]. Lately, they've slipped "Black" from the program's home page without changin' the name. Looks like they might be reevaluatin' their approach.
Levi's
Levi's faced a proposition to abandon their DEI program, but nary a peep came from shareholders in favor of it [2]. They believe in the benefits of a diverse workforce and ain't budging on that stance.
Tune in throughout the month for updates on these companies and the ongoing battle for a more inclusive corporate world!
Image: Nappystock
- Berkshire Hathaway, in light of the National Center for Public Policy Research's proposal to audit their race-based programs, has reaffirmed their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by stating that their current policies are lawful and effective, and that a legal audit is unnecessary.
- The ongoing DEI initiatives at Levi's have yielded support from shareholders who believe in the benefits of a diverse workforce, as they recently rejected a proposal to abandon the company's DEI program. In addition, the company continues to value diversity and inclusion as a crucial part of their business strategy.
