Costco’s board of directors rejected anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, noting the company will defend “respect and inclusion” as efforts are underway nationwide to strike the

Costco shareholders have rejected a proposal that questioned the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

A Costco shareholder proposal brought by a conservative activist asked the company to investigate its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, with an eye toward eliminating them.

Costco is pushing back on a shareholder proposal that urges the wholesale club operator to conduct an evaluation of any business risks posed by its diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Investors were expected to vote on the recommendation during the company’s annual meeting Thursday.