Elisha Williams

Aldi has removed all references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from its U.S. careers page, sparking questions about the company’s commitment to these values amid a broader national trend.
Aldi’s recent decision to eliminate any mention of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from its U.S. careers page has drawn attention without any formal explanation. While other major companies such as Target and Walmart have scaled back their DEI initiatives, Aldi has gone a step further by removing all public references to these commitments.
As first reported by HR Brew, the company’s website no longer highlights its previous diversity-focused hiring efforts, inclusion programs, or support for marginalized communities. This shift has left some questioning Aldi’s true stance on DEI, as the pages once featured prominently as part of the company's public image.
Many businesses across the U.S. have quietly rolled back their diversity programs due to increasing scrutiny from both legal and political pressures. Once eager to showcase their commitment to diversity, companies are now scaling back, whether in response to external pressures or shifting internal policies.
For students at the University of Southern Mississippi, Aldi’s decision hits close to home. The grocery chain is a popular choice among college students in Hattiesburg, known for its affordability, quarter carts, and accessibility. Many students shop there weekly, and some even work for the company. Now, some are reconsidering their loyalty to the brand, questioning its core values.
“The new DEI changes seem like they have taken effect,” said Aldi employee Jalil Ridgeway. “With the DEI changes, I haven’t seen as many people that look like me, and I hear there have been major layoffs at warehouses as well.”
The change has left some students wondering if Aldi still prioritizes diversity internally or if the company’s commitment to these values has faded.
James Darby, a biomedical sciences student at USM, expressed concern over the shift, noting the potential impact on Aldi’s customer base.
“I feel like that’s really unfortunate especially for a market that prides itself on having more affordable prices,” said Darby. “It is going against a lot of your customer base that needs those prices. People are boycotting Target, but Target is less affordable and isn’t as accessible.”
As corporations continue to shift their public stances on DEI, students, employees and consumers are left to decide what matters most–convenience or corporate values.