Walmart makes sad attempt to join the #MeToo movement by removing 'Cosmo' from its checkouts

The #MeToo era is upon us, and one would think magazine covers showcasing talented and influential women would be empowering. But someone forgot to tell Walmart.

On Tuesday, the retail chain and The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) announced that together they're working to implement a new policy change in 5,000 Walmart stores across the country: removing Cosmopolitan magazines from checkout lines.

Why? Well, according to a press statement, the NCOSE thinks it's important to protect minors from the "sexually explicit material" the magazine embodies and visually displays. Especially in the #MeToo era, when women are fighting against sexual harassment. 🤔

As NCOSE Executive Director Dawn Hawkins said in the statement, "[Cosmo] places women’s value primarily on their ability to sexually satisfy a man and therefore plays into the same culture where men view and treat women as inanimate sex objects."

Of course, none of this takes into account the magazine's moving personal essays, helpful style and beauty suggestions, and informative sexual health and relationship tips.

While Walmart's name is drawing particular attention here, this certainly isn't the first time the NCOSE's has labeled the Cosmo's lifestyle content and portrayal of women as harmful.

Back in 2015 the organization worked with Rite Aid and Delhaize America to start selling Cosmo issues with wrapped covers in stores, and in 2016 Marsh Supermarkets in Indiana and Ohio removed the magazines from checkout counters as well.

Despite the fact that NCOSE seems to be obsessed with shielding people from a magazine that works to empower women and encourage them to embrace their sexuality, the group is exceptionally proud of itself and Walmart for making ~such an impactful change~ to today's #MeToo culture, and is calling on other corporations to take action against Cosmo.

"As with all products in our store, we continue to evaluate our assortment and make changes," a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement. "Walmart will continue to offer Cosmopolitan to customers that wish to purchase the magazine, but it will no longer be located in the checkout aisles. While this was primarily a business decision, the concerns raised were heard."

Mashable has reached out to Cosmopolitan for comment.

UPDATE: March 28, 2018, 12:48 p.m. EDT Updated with a statement from Walmart.