AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking aim at one of the nation’s largest retailers over its diversity policies.
On Thursday, Paxton joined attorneys general from 19 other states, demanding that Costco end what they call “discriminatory” diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, practices. The move comes after President Trump’s recent executive order encouraging private companies to end DEI policies.
“Discriminatory DEI policies are unethical, unlawful, and fundamentally un-American,” Paxton said in a letter to the retailer. “The fact that Costco continues to defend such practices is reprehensible. DEI programs consistently promote divisive and discriminatory ideology as opposed to ensuring that all individuals are treated equally and with respect, and that’s why I’m calling on Costco to end their woke policies immediately.”
Costco’s public stance in support of diversity, equity and inclusion programs contrasts with the positions taken in recent months by other big consumer brands, including Walmart, McDonald’s and John Deere, in the wake of Trump’s return to the White House.
Prominent technology companies, including Amazon and Meta — the parent company of Facebook and Instagram — have also rolled back DEI initiatives.
The full letter, co-signed by Paxton and 19 other attorneys general, can be read here.