Macy’s has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to DEI through active initiatives, dedicated leadership, and public reporting in previous years. However, the significant reduction in DEI-related communications and press releases in 2025 suggests a potential retreat from proactive transparency. From an anti-fascist perspective that values robust efforts against discrimination and for worker rights, this diminished public stance weakens the company’s position, resulting in a modest positive score.

Where Does Macy’s Stand on DEI in 2025?

While Macy's Inc has not engaged in direct federal lobbying or outside spending in the 2024 cycle, its contribution of $835,357 has implications for the political landscape. Such financial involvement, even if moderate compared to major political donors, may support established political powers and policies that contribute to systems of authoritarian influence. From an anti-fascist perspective, this political funding—without sufficient transparency into its allocation—deserves scrutiny as it might indirectly reinforce political entities with authoritarian leanings.

Macy's Inc Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

Macy's Inc.'s handling of labor negotiations resulted in a lockout of union members, an action that was adjudicated as an unfair labor practice by both the NLRB and the Ninth Circuit. Such a decision reflects a disregard for worker rights and fair labor practices, supporting a broader pattern of corporate behavior that undermines labor protections and can be seen as indirectly bolstering authoritarian management practices.

MACY'S INC. V. NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD, No. 23-150 (9th Cir. 2025)

The article provides a detailed overview of Macy's supply chain practices, emphasizing its rigorous ethical sourcing and procurement processes. Macy’s commitment to sustainable sourcing, robust supplier diversity, and adherence to human rights standards indicate a positive business practice that minimizes complicity in oppressive supply chains. This proactive approach contributes to mitigating risks related to systemic labor and ethical violations.

Value Chain Analysis of Macy’s - SCM Insight

Macy's Inc.'s disclosure of political contributions, including the sponsorship of its political action committee—the Macy's Inc. Retail Issues Fund—is indicative of its active engagement in political funding. Although conducted under strict compliance and oversight, such contributions channel corporate influence into the political sphere, potentially supporting candidates and policies that favor corporate interests over democratic accountability. From an anti-authoritarian perspective, this practice represents a form of corporate complicity in shaping political outcomes.

Macy : Political Contributions Disclosure | MarketScreener

Macy's has implemented a bold DEI plan aimed at increasing ethnic diversity in leadership and among suppliers. This approach, which directly addresses workplace inequalities and systemic discrimination, aligns strongly with labor rights and human rights practices. While right-wing groups such as America First Legal have attempted to frame these measures as illegal quotas, a progressive evaluation recognizes them as necessary and corrective strategies to dismantle entrenched inequities.

America First Legal Slams Macy’s for Illegal Racial Discrimination: Files Federal Civil Rights Complaint

Macy's has launched its Mission Every One initiative to promote supply chain sustainability. By sourcing and selling products that are independently certified as responsibly made, incorporating sustainably sourced raw materials, and investing in waste reduction measures, the company demonstrates a commitment to ethical supply chain practices. These practices contribute positively by ensuring that labor rights are respected and environmental harm is minimized, thereby reducing corporate complicity in exploitative supply chain practices that can indirectly support authoritarian structures.

Watch: How Macy's Is Embracing Supply Chain Sustainability

Macy's has been accused of implementing discriminatory criminal background screening practices that disproportionately affect Black and Latino job applicants, leading to systemic exclusions from employment opportunities despite the irrelevance or age of their convictions. This raises significant concerns regarding their commitment to labor rights and human rights practices.

Macy's Class Action Alleges Racial Discrimination

The restructuring plan includes significant workforce reductions—specifically, the elimination of approximately 2,000 jobs through the closure of 125 stores. Such substantial layoffs raise serious concerns regarding labor relations and the potential erosion of worker rights, which can contribute to a broader corporate culture that undervalues employee welfare.

Macy's lays out a massive supply chain overhaul

Macy's operational presence in states with restrictive abortion coverage policies exposes a gap between its stated inclusive values and its business practices. The shareholder resolution criticizes the company for not taking adequate action to safeguard employee benefits, highlighting potential ethical shortcomings in its business practices.

Macy's: Report on Political Spending Related to Company Values and Policies — As You Sow

Macy's policy on political contributions and lobbying outlines rigorous internal controls and clearance procedures. While these measures suggest an attempt at transparency and oversight, the very act of channeling funds and communications toward political causes enables corporate influence in legislative processes. This controlled engagement in political finance, even when regulated, raises concerns under an anti-fascist lens about the role of corporate power in shaping political outcomes.

Macy's : Government Affairs Policies

The lawsuit claims that Macy's systematically rejects, revokes, or terminates employment for applicants with criminal histories, disproportionately impacting racial minorities and reinforcing systemic discrimination. Such practices violate Title VII, the FCRA, and established EEOC guidelines, undermining fair labor practices and human rights.

Macy's accused of racial discrimination on the basis of criminal history