A new approach to hiring is gaining traction across corporate America, challenging long-standing DEI initiatives: Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence.

Companies in the U.S. were already backing off on DEI, then Walmart entered the chat: This week the retail giant said it would cut back its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Why it matters: Walmart is the largest private employer in the country,

Davidson, and Lowe’s, Walmart rolled back some of its DEI policies after conservative backlash. It’s the largest company so far to reverse course since Supreme Court ended affirmative action in college admissions.