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Colgate-Palmolive has said it will recommend shareholders reject a proposal that would remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) criteria from how it identifies future board members.
The proposal, filed by the National Legal and Policy Center, a right-wing pressure group, seeks to bring the matter to a vote at the company’s upcoming annual meeting. The group is pressing the consumer goods manufacturer to eliminate consideration of race, gender and sexual orientation in its director selection process.
Colgate intends to urge investors to vote against the measure. The company said the proposal “unduly interferes” with the responsibilities of its board’s nominating committee, which is tasked with maintaining a broad mix of experiences, skills and perspectives.
Board diversity and global growth
In outlining its position, Colgate stated that considering attributes such as “race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and cultural background” is legally appropriate and consistent with its corporate strategy.
The company pointed out that two-thirds of its sales are generated outside the US. Leadership argued that a range of perspectives at board level is essential for innovation, identifying consumer trends and supporting global expansion.
Colgate says its approach reflects its belief that board diversity strengthens long-term business performance. The company maintained that varied backgrounds and viewpoints contribute to decision-making aligned with its international footprint.
Corporate pullback on DEI disclosures
The firm's stance comes at a time when many large US corporations are scaling back explicit DEI language in governance policies.
Data from workplace analytics firm PeopleReturn shows that the share of S&P 500 companies disclosing race and gender criteria for directors has declined sharply. Around 50% of companies reported such criteria in 2024, compared with under 14% in 2026.
Several high-profile organizations have recently reduced or removed similar provisions. Goldman Sachs, American Express, Deere & Co., and Johnson & Johnson are among the companies that have scaled back diversity-related board selection policies.
Against that backdrop, Colgate’s decision to continue referencing DEI criteria in director nominations sets it apart from the broader trend. The company signaled that it views diversity considerations not as a compliance exercise but as a strategic necessity.
Political and regulatory scrutiny of formal DEI frameworks has intensified across the US, prompting some businesses to revise their language and practices under pressure from right-wing groups and a Supreme Court dominated by Republican picks. Colgate has indicated it will maintain its current approach, positioning board diversity as integral to innovation and global competitiveness.
It is part of an ongoing tension between shareholder activism, regulatory pressure and corporate strategy when it comes to DEI in the boardroom.
