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NoneBy ALEXANDRA OLSON and CATHY BUSSEWITZ NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The changes announced by the world’s biggest retailer followed a string of legal victories by conservative groups that have filed an onslaught of lawsuits challenging corporate and federal programs aimed at elevating minority and women-owned businesses and employees. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump’s incoming deputy chief of policy will be his former adviser Stephen Miller , who leads a group called America First Legal that has aggressively challenged corporate DEI policies. “There has been a lot of reassessment of risk looking at programs that could be deemed to constitute reverse discrimination,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher the Human Capital Center at the Conference Board. “This is another domino to fall and it is a rather large domino,” he added. Among other changes, Walmart said it will no longer give priority treatment to suppliers owned by women or minorities. The company also will not renew a five-year commitment for a racial equity center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd. And it pulled out of a prominent gay rights index . Schweyer said the biggest trigger for companies making such changes is simply a reassessment of their legal risk exposure, which began after U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 that ended affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, conservative groups using similar arguments have secured court victories against various diversity programs, especially those that steer contracts to minority or women-owned businesses. Most recently, the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty won a victory in a case against the U.S. Department of Transportation over its use of a program that gives priority to minority-owned businesses when it awards contracts. Companies are seeing a big legal risk in continuing with DEI efforts, said Dan Lennington, a deputy counsel at the institute. His organization says it has identified more than 60 programs in the federal government that it considers discriminatory, he said. “We have a legal landscape within the entire federal government, all three branches — the U.S. Supreme Court, the Congress and the President — are all now firmly pointed in the direction towards equality of individuals and individualized treatment of all Americans, instead of diversity, equity and inclusion treating people as members of racial groups,” Lennington said. The Trump administration is also likely to take direct aim at DEI initiatives through executive orders and other policies that affect private companies, especially federal contractors. “The impact of the election on DEI policies is huge. It can’t be overstated,” said Jason Schwartz, co-chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group at law firm Gibson Dunn. With Miller returning to the White House, rolling back DEI initiatives is likely to be a priority, Schwartz said. “Companies are trying to strike the right balance to make clear they’ve got an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and they want to get the best talent, while at the same time trying not to alienate various parts of their employees and customer base who might feel one way or the other. It’s a virtually impossible dilemma,” Schwartz said. A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed that workers are divided on the merits of DEI policies. While still broadly popular, the share of workers who said focusing on workplace diversity was mostly a good thing fell to 52% in the November survey, compared to 56% in a similar survey in February 2023. Rachel Minkin, a research associated at Pew called it a small but significant shift in short amount of time. There will be more companies pulling back from their DEI policies, but it likely won’t be a retreat across the board, said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University. “There are vastly more companies that are sticking with DEI,” Glasgow said. “The only reason you don’t hear about it is most of them are doing it by stealth. They’re putting their heads down and doing DEI work and hoping not to attract attention.” Glasgow advises organizations to stick to their own core values, because attitudes toward the topic can change quickly in the span of four years. “It’s going to leave them looking a little bit weak if there’s a kind of flip-flopping, depending on whichever direction the political winds are blowing,” he said. One reason DEI programs exist is because without those programs, companies may be vulnerable to lawsuits for traditional discrimination. “Really think carefully about the risks in all directions on this topic,” Glasgow said. Walmart confirmed will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test to improve diversity when it offers supplier contracts. Last fiscal year, Walmart said it spent more than $13 billion on minority, women or veteran-owned good and service suppliers. It was unclear how its relationships with such business would change going forward. Organizations that that have partnered with Walmart on its diversity initiatives offered a cautious response. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a non-profit that last year named Walmart one of America’s top corporation for women-owned enterprises, said it was still evaluating the impact of Walmart’s announcement. Pamela Prince-Eason, the president and CEO of the organization, said she hoped Walmart’s need to cater to its diverse customer base will continue to drive contracts to women-owned suppliers even if the company no longer has explicit dollar goals. “I suspect Walmart will continue to have one of the most inclusive supply chains in the World,” Prince-Eason wrote. “Any retailer’s ability to serve the communities they operate in will continue to value understanding their customers, (many of which are women), in order to better provide products and services desired and no one understands customers better than Walmart.” Related Articles National News | Bird flu virus was found in raw milk. What to know about the risks National News | Ransomware attack on software supplier disrupts operations for Starbucks and other retailers National News | Man found guilty of holding down teen while he was raped at a youth center in 1998 National News | What Black Friday’s history tells us about holiday shopping in 2024 National News | New rule allows HIV-positive organ transplants Walmart’s announcement came after the company spoke directly with conservative political commentator and activist Robby Starbuck, who has been going after corporate DEI policies, calling out individual companies on the social media platform X. Several of those companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford , Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply . Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better monitor its third-party marketplace items to make sure they don’t feature sexual and transgender products aimed at minors. The company also will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. A Walmart spokesperson added that some of the changes were already in progress and not as a result of conversations that it had with Starbuck. RaShawn “Shawnie” Hawkins, senior director of the HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, said companies that “abandon” their commitments workplace inclusion policies “are shirking their responsibility to their employees, consumers, and shareholders.” She said the buying power of LGBTQ customers is powerful and noted that the index will have record participation of more than 1,400 companies in 2025.
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The loss of ITV's independence would be a blow to creative Britain, says ALEX BRUMMER By ALEX BRUMMER FOR THE DAILY MAIL Updated: 17:01 EST, 25 November 2024 e-mail View comments The possibility of a bid for ITV has perked up a lagging share price. Even so, as a creative enterprise, Britain’s leading terrestrial broadcaster looks hugely undervalued. Consider this. Almost every leading show on the small screen at present has origins in ITV Studios. The list includes the BBC series Ludwig starring David Mitchell, the Netflix hit Fool Me Once and Disney’s Rivals as well as the politically explosive Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. The biggest changes at ITV since Carolyn McCall took the helm in 2018 are the group’s income streams. Revenues from ITV Studios and streaming service ITV X climbed from 45 per cent to 60 per cent and are expected to hit 66 per cent by 2026. If one were to price ITV Studios on the same multiple as All3Media, sold to RedBird IMI in May of this year, it would be worth £3billion plus. That is more than the whole of the broadcaster, which is valued at £2.5billion following the latest 8.6 per cent rise to 71.15p in the group’s shares. Hit factory: Almost every leading show on the small screen at present, the Netflix hit Fool Me Once and Disney’s Rivals, has origins in ITV Studios If a bidder were to emerge, it would gain control of a broadcasting platform, with an ability to attract large scale audiences and linear advertising to match, for nothing. ITV is a bellwether for the UK and has suffered in recent years from the same shocks as the rest of Britain – the great financial crisis, Covid-19 and the Ukraine war. Prospects in recent months have been damaged by the lengthy interregnum between Labour’s election and the Budget. Both have caused large scale business advertisers to curtail plans. There are few better ways of reaching a large scale audience than ITV. I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here has been drawing audiences of 9m. Perpetual favourites such as Coronation Street are gold dust for advertisers. So far, no observable change in ITV’s share register has been seen. The biggest holding of 10.45 per cent is held by John Malone’s spawling media empire Liberty Global. He and his shrewd lieutenants would not want to see ITV sold on the cheap. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Backlash grows over failure on business rates as Kingfisher... Hairdressers hit as experts say Reeves £25bn budget NI raid... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account Activist investors on the register such as Redwheel and Silchester might take a different view. There must be the possibility that someone might want to see studios spun off as a means of releasing value. Private equity outfit CVC, mentioned as a bidder (there has been no approach), might want to get its hands on some of the sports rights. Buying ITV is not as straightforward as it might seem. The group’s licence, valid until 2034, contains obligations. These include generating output in the UK regions and devotion of airtime to news bulletins. Most importantly, however, the loss of ITV’s independence would be a blow to creative Britain. This, just at the moment when the Labour Government has remembered that it is a sector which excels and is ready for growth. Pink panthers The most shocking aspect of the Barclays agreement to pay a fine of £40million to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), over the bank’s Qatar fundraising in 2008, is the time it has taken to dish out the discipline. Excuses can be made for the delays, including the parallel prosecution by the equally useless Serious Fraud Office (SFO), but white-collar justice which takes 16 years is a waste of space. Since then, the Barclays board has been replenished and the bank has had to ride out another crisis over the connection of former boss Jes Staley to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In balance sheet terms, the payout is a rounding error. Britain’s system of financial enforcement is woeful. An excoriating report by MPs and the Lords accuses the FCA of being ‘incompetent at best, and dishonest at worst’. Instead of delivering swift and firm white-collar justice, the SFO finds itself with multi-million pound legal costs over the bungled prosecution of Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC). Such humiliations have made British financial justice a laughing stock. Carbon retreat Anglo American is demonstrating that self-help is preferable than selling to a big overseas rival which would have crushed culture and ambition. 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The A.M.E. Zion Church Adopts New Common Measurement for the Health of its Churches and Congregations
Capricorn – (22nd December to 19th January) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, take a long leap to happiness Look for options to be happy in the love affair. Your commitment at work will bring positive results. Handle your wealth smartly and health is also positive. Have a productive love affair today and you both may be involved in exciting activities. New responsibilities in the job make you stronger. Prosperity will come with good health. Capricorn Love Horoscope Today Be specific about your needs to the partner. Your lover prefers spending more time with you. Even while you are traveling; ensure you connect over the phone to share your emotions. It is good to stay away from arguments. Single females can expect a proposal today. Some Capricorns will resolve the issues with the ex-lover to go back to the old love affair. Married females will be happy to have a great day in terms of romance. Capricorn Career Horoscope Today Express your ideas freely at meetings as they will be approved. Be concerned about the team as your behavior will work out during appraisals. Some professionals will see opportunities abroad. Avoid office politics and you should be smart enough to negotiate with the team members while handling team tasks. Businessmen will sign new partnership deals which would bring in good profits today. Some students waiting for admission to a foreign university will see positive results. Capricorn Money Horoscope Today There will also be success in getting a bank loan today. Today is also good to buy jewelry or electronic appliances for the home. You can also try the fortune in stock and speculative business today. Go ahead with the plan to buy a property, or vehicle, or to renovate the home. Businesses will succeed in raising funds through promoters while some females will pick the day to even donate money to charity. Capricorn Health Horoscope Today No serious medical issue will trouble you. However, it is good to have control over the lifestyle. The second part of the day is good to join a gym or a yoga session. Meditate in the early morning to overcome stress and start the day with positive energy. Some Capricorn females will develop migraine, gynecological issues, or viral fever today. Capricorn Sign Attributes Strength: Intelligent, Practical, Trustworthy, Generous, Optimistic Weakness: Persistent, Stubborn, Suspicious Symbol: Goat Element: Earth Body Part: Bones & Skin Sign Ruler: Saturn Lucky Day: Saturday Lucky Color : Grey Lucky Number : 4 Lucky Stone: Amethyst Capricorn Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces Good compatibility: Cancer, Capricorn Fair compatibility: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius Less compatibility: Aries, Libra By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)
INWOOD — Musselman High School's Choral Department is hosting the Snow Globe Festival this weekend, where families will gather for a fun evening listening to the choir, playing games and spending time together. This event, which will take place at Musselman High School at 4 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday, will help them raise money for the Kaleidoscope Show Choir to compete in the Show Choir Nationals, where only three West Virginia groups have performed. Last year, the choral department sold special treats, such as hot cocoa, to raise money to go to nationals. This year, it decided to do even more by creating a fun and unique event for the community. James Miller, Musselman High School choral director, shared that the festival is a great way for the choir to connect with the community. “What I love, as a choral director, is just giving the students the chance to sing,” Miller said. “A lot of people don’t think about what we do for the community. The band plays during football games and brings people together for that, but the choir finds other ways to have a positive impact.” The event begins with a performance from the choir. Then, guests will enjoy a meal before trying out the different games and activities throughout the school cafeteria. Students from the choir planned and will lead each station. There might even be a few special holiday guests who will come to visit. At the end of the festival, guests will gather for a Christmas sing-along and the choir will sing a few more songs. Alexander Thomas, dance captain for the choir and senior at Musselman High School, is excited to perform. He helped choreograph one of the songs and also helped teach others how to dance. One of his favorite parts about being a part of this event is seeing all the smiling faces as they sing. “It really lifts the holiday spirit,” Thomas said. “It’s an event people always enjoy going to and is a great opportunity to have fun and enjoy the different activities going on.” Advanced tickets cost $15, while tickets at the door will cost $20. Proceeds will go toward the Musselman Choral Department. For more information visit the Musselman High School Choral Department Facebook page.
Aston Villa fails in its bid to overturn Jhon Duran’s red card at NewcastleBlues supporters also sang the name of head coach Maresca during the closing stages of an emphatic success sealed by goals from Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and substitute Jadon Sancho. Bottom club Southampton briefly levelled through Joe Aribo but were a man down from the 39th minute after captain Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling the hair of Marc Cucurella. Chelsea, who have endured an underwhelming period since Todd Boehly’s consortium bought the club in 2022, climbed above Arsenal and into second place on goal difference, seven points behind leaders Liverpool. “It was a very good feeling, especially because you can see that they are happy, that is our target,” Maresca said of the atmosphere in the away end. “We work every day to keep them happy and tonight was a very good feeling, especially the one that they can see that Chelsea’s back. This is an important thing.” Maresca rotated his squad in Hampshire, making seven changes following Sunday’s impressive 3-0 win over Aston Villa. Following a sloppy start, his side, who stretched their unbeaten run to six top-flight games, could easily have won by more as they hit the woodwork three times, in addition to squandering a host of chances. “I’m very happy with the five we scored,” said the Italian. “I’m not happy with the first 15, 20 minutes, where we struggled. The reason why we struggled is because we prepared the game to press them man to man and the first 15, 20 minutes we were not pressing them man to man. “After 15, 20 minutes we adjust that and the game was much better. For sure we could score more but five goals they are enough.” Southampton manager Russell Martin rued a costly “moment of madness” from skipper Stephens. The defender’s ridiculous red card was the headline mistake of a catalogue of errors from the beleaguered south-coast club as they slipped seven points from safety following an 11th defeat of a dismal season. “I don’t think anyone will be as disappointed as Jack,” Martin said of Stephens, who was sent off for the second time this term after tugging the curls of Cucurella as Saints prepared to take a corner. “I haven’t got to sit down and talk with him about that at all. He will be hurt more than anyone and it’s changed the game for us tonight, which is disappointing. “I think they have to describe it as violent conduct; it’s not violent really but there’s no other explanation for that really. It’s a moment of madness that’s really cost us and Jack.” Southampton repeatedly invited pressure with their risky attempts to play out from defence, with goalkeeper Joe Lumley gifting Chelsea their second goal, scored by Nkunku. While Saints were booed off at full-time, Martin, who was missing a host of key players due to injuries and suspensions, praised the effort of his depleted team. “When they see such a big scoreline and a couple of the goals we concede, I understand it (the jeers),” he said. “It’s football, it’s emotive, people feel so much about it, it’s why it’s such a special sport in this country and so big. “I understand it but I feel really proud of the players tonight, some of the football we played at 11 v 11 was amazing. “For an hour with 10 men we’ve dug in so deep, there were some big performances. I’m proud of them for that and I’m grateful for that because that’s not easy in that circumstance.”