CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mooresville-based Lowe's is paring back its efforts to promote LGBTQ inclusion, becoming the latest company to respond to a growing cultural backlash led by conservatives targeting queer representation, according to a report from NBC News.
An internal company memo being widely shared among social media organizations indicates that Lowe's told employees it was ending its participation in surveys for the Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest LGBTQ advocacy group, and would also combine company resource groups designed to support minority employees into a single umbrella organization.
Lowe's is also reportedly ending sponsorship and participating in community events, such as parades, festivals and fairs. As recently as 2019, Lowe's was a sponsor of Charlotte's Pride parade. A company spokesperson did not respond to NBC's request for comment.
While some media reports suggested Lowe's was reversing its diversity efforts entirely, NBC reports the changes appear to specifically target LGBTQ representation. Lowe's earned a perfect score in HRC's most recent corporate equity index that examines policies protecting LGBTQ workers.
Charlotte Pride condemned what it called "disappointing recent decisions by corporations and academic institutions" regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
"Charlotte Pride urges its corporate partners like Lowe's Home Improvement, a longtime supporter of Charlotte Pride – as well as the UNC System and other organizations – to recommit to DEI initiatives and resource groups," the statement reads, in part. "We remain hopeful that our corporate partners and other essential institutions within our state will reaffirm their commitment to every employee, student, and citizen – including minority and LGBTQ+ communities -- recognizing that these programs and people are essential for the long-term success and sustainability of their institutions."