Molson Coors Scraps DEI Initiatives Following Conservative Backlash

Molson Coors is the latest company to bow down to pressure and pull back on its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck's criticism has led to Molson Coors joining the list of companies scaling back on their DEI programs. This move by Molson Coors comes after facing backlash from Starbuck, who has been actively campaigning against companies' DEI practices. Other notable companies that have either withdrawn or toned down their DEI efforts include Lowe's and Ford.

Wave of Backlash Against DEI Programs

The decision by Molson Coors to step away from DEI policies is part of a broader trend where American companies are facing a wave of backlash against their diversity programs. Major tech companies like Microsoft, Meta, and Zoom have also made cuts to their DEI initiatives this year. Additionally, law firms, such as Winston & Strawn, have encountered legal challenges related to affirmative action policies.

Activists vs. Public Opinion

While activists like Starbuck are vocal in their criticism of companies' DEI efforts, a Washington Post-Ipsos poll in April revealed that 61% of Americans actually support DEI practices. Starbuck aims to eliminate DEI practices altogether, advocating for a return to what he perceives as a more neutral and rational approach within American corporations.

Impact on Companies

The Human Rights Campaign has condemned companies' rollbacks on DEI initiatives, stating that such decisions send a message to employees that equality in the workplace is not a priority. Eric Bloem, the vice president of programs and corporate advocacy at the Human Rights Campaign, emphasized the negative impact of putting political considerations ahead of the well-being of workers and consumers.

Companies Scaling Back on DEI Programs

Several companies have followed suit in scaling back their DEI programs following pressure from activists like Starbuck:

Harley-Davidson

In response to conservative backlash, Harley-Davidson announced in August that it would discontinue its diversity-related programs. The company expressed disappointment over the divisive nature of the social media negativity spurred by calls for policy changes from Starbuck.

John Deere

John Deere has retracted some of its DEI commitments, including refraining from participating in cultural awareness events and abolishing its pronoun policy. This decision followed online criticism from Starbuck, highlighting the power of social media activism.

Tractor Supply Company

Tractor Supply Company significantly reduced its DEI programs, including eliminating diversity roles and ending its support for Pride events. The company also shifted its stance on providing data to advocacy groups and environmental goals, all in response to criticism from Starbuck.

Polaris

Although not a direct target of Starbuck, Polaris, a competitor of Harley-Davidson, has also downscaled its DEI efforts by removing references to diversity from its web content. The company emphasized its commitment to steering clear of political discussions.

Lowe's

Home improvement retailer Lowe's decided to scale back its DEI initiatives, as revealed in an internal memo. The company announced measures such as ceasing participation in surveys by advocacy groups and consolidating minority resource groups. While Starbuck claimed credit for the policy changes, Lowe's indicated that the adjustments were already in progress.

Ford

Ford opted to withdraw from certain diversity rankings and restructure its employee resource groups to enhance accessibility. The company also pledged to reduce involvement in political matters and adjusted some corporate sponsorships. Ford's decision followed quality issues and backlash, with Starbuck criticizing the company for its perceived "woke policies."

Molson Coors

Molson Coors has taken significant steps to scrap many of its DEI policies and initiatives. The company aims to refocus its training programs on core business objectives, shifting away from DEI-centric approaches. Additionally, Molson Coors will no longer participate in external company rankings, signaling a departure from its previous commitment to DEI practices.

Public Perception and Impact

A survey by the Human Rights Campaign highlighted that a majority of adults from the LGBTQ+ community view companies negatively when they roll back DEI initiatives. The LGBTQ+ community wields substantial spending power in the US and seeks to support companies that align with their values.

Despite the criticism and backlash, none of the companies mentioned in the article responded to requests for comment from Business Insider.

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By: lwee@insider.com (Lian Kit Wee,Jaures Yip)
Title: Molson Coors Scraps DEI Initiatives Following Conservative Backlash
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/companies-cutting-dei-activist-backlash-harley-davidson-deere-tractor-supply-2024-8
Published Date: Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:23:11 +0000