McDonald’s, the US fast food giant, is scaling back some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, citing a "shifting legal landscape" in the US.

This move comes four years after the company initiated its diversity efforts.

In 2021, McDonald’s introduced a series of diversity programmes following a wave of sexual harassment lawsuits filed by employees and a discrimination lawsuit brought by a group of black former franchise owners, reported NBC News.

McDonald’s is the latest in a growing number of US companies re-evaluating their DEI practices in response to a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action and ongoing conservative opposition to such programmes, reported CNN.

Legal threats, customer opposition and online pressure have prompted numerous companies, including Ford, Harley-Davidson, Walmart, John Deere, and others, to modify their DEI programmes.

In an open letter sent to employees, franchisees, and suppliers, McDonald’s stated that it was modifying certain DEI practices.

The company stated that while it remains dedicated to inclusion and will continue to "embed inclusion practices" in its operations, it is eliminating the requirement for suppliers to make a DEI commitment.

McDonald's stated it was an achievement that 30% of its US leadership is composed of individuals from "underrepresented groups." The company's prior goal was to reach 35% by the end of 2025, reported Reuters.

Additionally, its diversity team will now be renamed the "Global Inclusion Team."

“This name change is more fitting for McDonald’s in light of our inclusion value and better aligns with this team’s work,” McDonald’s said in the statement.

The restaurant company will also discontinue its participation in external surveys that assess corporate diversity.

McDonald’s, however, emphasised that it has not abandoned its commitment to maintaining a diverse workforce. Instead, it will continue to promote practices that encourage inclusion both in the workplace and throughout its operations, while engaging with suppliers and vendors to discuss diversity and inclusion efforts.

“McDonald’s position and our commitment to inclusion is steadfast. Since our founding, we’ve prided ourselves on understanding that the foundation of our business is people. As Fred Turner said, ‘We’re a people business, and never forget it,’” the company added.