NEW YORK (AP) — John Deere, a farm equipment maker, 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 initiatives following conservative backlash.
In a statement on the social media platform X, John Deere also mentioned that it will review all training materials to ensure they comply with federal and local laws and do not contain socially-motivated messages, without specifying what those messages are.
The company stated that diversity quotas and pronoun identification are not part of its policy, but it will still work towards advancing diversity within the company without providing specific details.
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The decision from Deere & Co. comes shortly after Tractor Supply, a rural retailer, also ended its corporate diversity and climate efforts in response to online conservative activism against diversity, equity, inclusion, LGBTQ+ Pride events, and climate advocacy.
Conservative commentator Robby Starbuck led the criticism of both companies on X, calling John Deere’s move a victory in the fight against “wokeness” but demanding further actions to eliminate DEI policies and disengage from Corporate Equality Index scoring.
Starbuck opposes hiring decisions based on race, DEI initiatives, and policies that introduce social issues into company culture, highlighting a growing pushback against such measures across various industries.
While companies navigate these controversial waters, there is a broader discussion around diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and their alignment with legal frameworks and societal attitudes.
The landscape of corporate commitments and policies is evolving, reflecting shifting cultural and political dynamics that impact workplace environments and social responsibilities.
Whether these changes signal a broader shift in corporate behavior remains to be seen, but they underscore the complexities and tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in contemporary business practices.
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