Day: December 18, 2024

Walmart Announces Departure From DEI Initiatives

Walmart said it will also 'identify and remove inappropriate sexual and/or transgender products marketed to children.’

Updated:

Walmart plans to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion—or DEI—initiatives, the retail giant said on Nov. 25.

“We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers and suppliers and to be a Walmart for everyone,” the company said in a statement.

The company announced that it will refrain from financing events aimed at sexually influencing children, stop participating in the Human Rights Coalition’s Corporate Equality Index, and remove the gender-neutral term “Latinx” from its documents, according to conservative filmmaker Robby Starbuck, who had been talking to Walmart for a story he was doing featuring the company’s DEI initiatives.

The company will also change its Supplier Inclusion program, which was criticized because of its tendency to give “preferential treatment on the basis of race.” Its purpose was to assist suppliers that were more than 51 percent owned by “protected classes,” such as minorities, women, and LGBT individuals.

The retail giant said it would not provide further funding beyond its 2020 commitment of $100 million to its nonprofit Center for Racial Equity, for which it promised funding for five years.

Walmart will also “identify and remove inappropriate sexual and/or transgender products marketed to children,” such as chest binders, which it sells on its website.

Starbuck said that Walmart contacted him after the company became aware of his investigation.

“After various conversations, I am very proud to report to you guys that Walmart has decided on making some changes,” Starbuck stated in the video on Nov. 25. He called Walmart’s turnaround a “massive win” for the conservative movement, which supporters said is supportive of equality of opportunity over the equality of outcome outlined in DEI policies.

Companies including Lowe’s, Ford, Jack Daniel’s, John Deere, Tractor Supply, and Harley-Davidson have dropped their DEI practices, Starbuck noted.

The changes come amid growing concerns over DEI policies and programs in corporate America and other sectors of society.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he intends to start rooting out what he called divisive policies in the U.S. military on day one of his new administration.

Trump’s Defense Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth is expected to fire generals who implement DEI in the military. Appearing on the “Shawn Ryan Show” earlier this month, Hegseth said, “Any general that was involved, general, admiral, whatever, that was involved in any of the DEI” must be removed."

According to the Fortune 500 list, Walmart is the biggest company in the world by revenue. Forbes predicts that Walmart’s 2024 revenue will be $657.3 billion, an increase of $46 billion from last year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
From NTD News

Handel’s Messiah – Olivet Nazarene University School of Music 2024~”Handel’s Messiah in Grace Cathedral”~Worthy Is the Lamb-George Frederic Handel~Lyrica Sacra

The Olivet Nazarene University School of Music, in coordination with the ONU Alumni Association, presented the 88th performance of Handel’s Messiah in an expansive reunion concert, featuring a 250+ voice alumni and student mass choir, augmented University Orchestra, and professional alumni soloists. Dr. Neal Woodruff is the conductor. Featured soloists include Metropolitan Opera and ONU alumnus bass-baritone Bradley Garvin, as well as Jenna Fawcett, Reuben Lillie, Ashlie McIntire and Cassandra Petrie. ABOUT HANDEL’S MESSIAH Handel’s oratorio, Messiah, first performed in 1742, holds significant historical importance. Originally intended as an Easter celebration, it has become a staple of early Christmas celebrations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful music and profound message, setting holy scripture to music and verse. The oratorio’s ability to bring communities together in a shared cultural and spiritual experience underscores its lasting impact. Today, Messiah continues to inspire and awe audiences worldwide, maintaining its place as a cornerstone of classical music. About the Artists: Bradley Garvin, Bass-Baritone, made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1993 in Beethoven’s Fidelio, and has since performed at the famed New York opera house nearly every season since. He maintains a heavy performance schedule and has been seen around the world nearly a dozen times in Met Opera HD Live broadcasts, both in cinemas and PBS stations. Last season he appeared in both Rigoletto and Der Rosenkavalier. His music can be found on Apple Music, as well as on various recordings. He is a 1987 graduate of Olivet. Cassandra Petrie, Mezzo-Soprano, teaches voice and directs choirs at Manchester University and Grace College. She has performed in various festivals and young artist programs globally. In Summer 2024, she starred in Dead Man Walking and Cosi fan tutte. Cassandra is set to debut with Indianapolis Opera next season and is active in musical theatre and choral groups in the Midwest. She is a 2016 graduate of Olivet. Jenna Fawcett, Soprano, teaches private voice and maintains a schedule as a busy performer in theatre and concert alike. She has appeared as Potiphar’s Wife/Narrator u/s in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Citadel Theatre, as well Working and South Pacific (Dunes Arts Foundation), New Faces Sing Broadway 1964 (Porchlight), and June Carter Cash in Ring of Fire (Drury Lane, Williams Street Rep). She is a 2011 graduate of Olivet. Reuben L. Lillie, Tenor, praised for his “virile sound” and “reliable technique” (Opera News), and has performed notable roles with DuPage Opera Theatre, Chicago Summer Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Vero Beach Opera, Sugar Creek Opera, and Santa Fe Opera. He has collaborated with chamber groups like the Fourth Coast Ensemble and Civic Orchestra of Chicago. A graduate of Olivet Nazarene University, Chicago College of Performing Arts, and McCormick Theological Seminary, Reuben has served as an adjunct professor at Olivet. He was a Central Region Finalist for the Metropolitan Opera National Council. He lives in Chicago with his family. He is a 2011 graduate of Olivet. Ashlie McIntire, soprano, is a Northern Colorado native. She received her B.M. in Vocal Performance from Olivet Nazarene University in 2010 and her M.M. in Vocal Performance from DePaul University in 2013. Some of her favorite performance credentials include Musetta in La Bohème, Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring, Diana/ Diana in Giove in La Calisto, Clorinda in La Cenerentola and Pamina in Die Zauberflöte. Ashlie has a private voice studio in Windsor, CO. When she’s not teaching or singing at church, she enjoys gardening, thrifting, baking and exploring her beautiful home state. To learn more about Olivet Nazarene University, visit olivet.edu Discover more about Olivet Nazarene University through these helpful links: • School of Music Programs: https://www.olivet.edu/school-music • Apply to Olivet Nazarene University: https://www.olivet.edu/apply • Campus Visit Opportunities: https://www.olivet.edu/visit • Scholarships and Financial Aid: https://www.olivet.edu/admissions/fin... • Find Your Area of Interest: https://www.olivet.edu/academics/find... • Graduate Degrees, Advanced Certificates, Specializations & Online Programs: https://www.olivet.edu/academics/grad...

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"Handel's Messiah in Grace Cathedral" (complete) • Beautiful HD • American Bach Soloists

Worthy Is the Lamb - George Frederic Handel

https://lyricasacra.com/

Traditional Christmas Carols – Choir Peaceful Christmas Music and Ambience – Christian Christmas

Traditional Christmas is a time of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. People decorate their homes with twinkling lights and festive ornaments, exchange gifts, and enjoy hearty meals together. Singing carols, attending church services, and sharing love and warmth make the holiday truly magical.