Anti-‘Woke’ Activists Battle DEI, Civil Rights Groups Respond Aggressively

National civil rights organizations are calling on business leaders to resist a growing movement aimed at dismantling workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. These groups emphasize the importance of maintaining longstanding pro-business decisions that promote equality in the workplace.

In a letter addressed to Fortune 1000 CEOs and shared exclusively with USA TODAY, the Human Rights Campaign, NAACP, the National Organization for Women, and 17 other organizations warned that recent decisions by some CEOs to withdraw from DEI initiatives are detrimental. They argue that these moves not only weaken companies but also harm the broader American economy, resulting in less safe and inclusive work environments for countless Americans.

This letter signifies a united front for the first time among national organizations responding to a campaign on social media that has led to a significant reduction in DEI efforts by major U.S. companies.

Companies like Molson Coors, Harley-Davidson, John Deere, Tractor Supply, Brown-Forman (the producer of Jack Daniel’s), and Stanley Black & Decker have started to backtrack on their DEI commitments. Their concessions include withdrawing from external workplace rankings and scaling back diversity goals for employees and suppliers.

The driving force behind this backlash is Robby Starbuck, a 35-year-old activist from Tennessee. He advocates for the removal of divisive social issues and politics from the workplace. Starbuck began orchestrating campaigns against brands he perceived to be misaligned with conservative values, rallying support from his social media followers. He argues that conservatives are now “activist consumers” willing to leverage their purchasing power to influence corporate practices.

Recently, Starbuck has broadened his focus to include more mainstream brands, such as Ford and Lowe’s, which have made concessions to his demands.

“Our campaigns have been incredibly effective because we prioritize creating welcoming environments for everyone,” Starbuck remarked. He believes that the average consumer prefers not to encounter political agendas in their shopping experiences, focusing instead on quality products and services.

However, civil rights organizations have warned CEOs that pulling back from DEI investments could alienate both employees and customers. An Edelman survey found that 60% of individuals believe an inclusive workplace culture, supported by dedicated diversity initiatives, is essential for attracting and retaining talent.

“When diversity, equity, and inclusion values are challenged by politically motivated forces, CEOs and corporate boards must stand firm in their defense,” the civil rights groups asserted. “Workers from various backgrounds are not making political statements when they seek equal policies, benefits, and treatment.”

The recent Supreme Court ruling that ended race-conscious college admissions has energized anti-DEI activists, prompting legal challenges against corporate America. More than a dozen Republican attorneys general have threatened legal actions against Fortune 500 companies regarding their DEI policies. Additionally, GOP lawmakers in multiple states are promoting legislation designed to limit DEI initiatives within workplaces.

Critics of DEI claim that women and people of color might receive job opportunities and promotions at the cost of more qualified candidates. They argue that any program that excludes white workers is as illegal as one that excludes Black workers.

Skepticism about DEI initiatives has created trepidation in the private sector. Many companies that once proudly championed these programs are now opting to avoid the topic altogether.

Some Fortune 500 executives, such as JPMorgan Chase’s CEO, Jamie Dimon, have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to DEI principles. Dimon stated, “It’s good for business. It’s morally right. We’ve seen success.” However, he also expressed a reluctance to engage in political disputes, declaring, “I’m not ‘woke’ at all.”

DEI policies aim to create a level playing field for all employees by addressing historical advantages that have allowed men to dominate the business landscape, thus perpetuating disparities in status, pay, and wealth.

A recent analysis reveals that women hold only one in five senior leadership positions at the nation’s 100 largest publicly traded companies. The gap is even wider for women of color, who face significantly greater disadvantages compared to white women.

Eric Bloem, vice president of programs and corporate advocacy at the Human Rights Campaign, stated that businesses are currently facing intense pressure from extremists, putting them in challenging positions.

Starbuck has concentrated much of his activism on workplace training programs aimed at creating inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ employees. His initiatives have already led the eight targeted companies to withdraw from participation in a significant index used to evaluate how friendly a company’s policies are towards LGBTQ+ individuals.

Bloem emphasized that while the LGBTQ+ community is facing considerable backlash, the decisions made by businesses impact all marginalized groups. As a result, there is a call for corporate leaders to champion their values.

Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, warned that campaigns against DEI could reverse progress made on workplace equality since George Floyd’s death in May 2020.

A recent report from LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Co. indicates that corporate efforts to elevate the number of women in leadership roles have declined for the first time in a decade as a result of the DEI backlash.

“This is a leadership moment,” said Graves. “I commend the majority of companies taking their obligations seriously. I hope those intimidated by extremists will reconsider their positions.”

Source: USA TODAY