NEW YORK (AP) — Farm equipment maker John Deere has announced that it will no longer sponsor “social or cultural awareness” events, joining other major U.S. companies in distancing themselves from diversity and inclusion measures due to conservative backlash.
John Deere posted a statement on social media platform X on Tuesday, stating that it will audit all training materials to ensure compliance with federal and local laws by eliminating any socially-motivated messages. The company did not specify the content of these messages.
The company, based in Moline, Illinois, clarified that diversity quotas and pronoun identification were never part of its policies. However, it mentioned that it will continue to focus on advancing diversity within the company without providing specific details.
This decision comes shortly after Tractor Supply, a rural retailer, also ended its corporate diversity and climate efforts following online backlash from conservative activists opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, LGBTQ+ Pride event sponsorships, and climate advocacy.
Conservative commentator Robby Starbuck led the criticism of both John Deere and Tractor Supply on X, praising the companies for their actions but calling for further steps to eliminate DEI policies and disengage from the Corporate Equality Index scoring system.
Starbuck opposes hiring decisions based on race, as well as DEI initiatives, non-professional employee resource groups, and policies that he believes bring social issues and politics into company culture.
John Deere’s move has received pushback from various groups, including the Human Rights Campaign and the National Black Farmers Association, with calls for boycotts and CEO resignations.
The conservative backlash against DEI efforts has affected companies across industries, prompting some to reconsider their diversity and inclusion policies and commitments.
Despite these challenges, many companies are committed to maintaining their DEI efforts, recognizing the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
The U.S. is currently navigating a presidential election year, with discussions about potential policy changes that could impact diversity and inclusion initiatives at the federal level.
Companies may need to adjust their language or strategies in response to external pressures and changing political landscapes, but the commitment to fostering workplace equality remains a priority for many.
AP Business Writer Lisa Leff in London contributed to this report.
___ Savage is a reporter on the women in the workforce team. The Associated Press’ women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.