McDonald's will begin virtual focus groups with some owners and operators as a part of an ongoing civil rights audit, according to a message to franchisees viewed by CNBC. Last year, shareholders approved of a proposal by SOC Investment group to conduct a civil rights audit in a close vote. The note also assured owners that neither McDonald's nor anyone employed by the company would participate in the groups or the selection process. The audit comes as McDonald's has made changes to its franchising structure and restaurant grading system in recent years. Other major companies including Citi, Starbucks and Airbnb have undertaken civil rights audits in recent years, and last year Apple and Amazon shareholders approved proposals for similar assessments.

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Persons: McDonald's, WilmerHale, Herb Washington, Byron Allen, Allen Organizations: CNBC, Investment, U.S, Owner, Black, MLB, Allen, Citi, Starbucks, Apple, Amazon Locations: McDonald's