A growing wave of conservative activism is reshaping how major US companies approach Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with businesses increasingly reconsidering or rolling back such programs.
Led by figures like Robby Starbuck, a 35-year-old activist from Tennessee, this movement is challenging the perceived political bias in corporate policies. Starbuck’s campaign focuses on removing “woke” social issues from the workplace, which he says alienate conservative consumers.
Starbuck’s efforts have found success with companies such as John Deere, Harley-Davidson, Molson Coors, and others, which have shifted their DEI policies in response to his pressure.
“Average people don’t want political takes from their tool company or grocery store,” Starbuck says.
He argues that companies should focus on neutrality in the workplace, delivering products and services without endorsing controversial social or political positions.
Many conservative leaders have become “activist consumers,” according to Starbuck, wielding their purchasing power as a tool to pressure businesses. His campaign resonates with a segment of the population that believes DEI programs often favor certain groups over others, a view reinforced by several GOP attorneys general who have threatened legal action against companies with DEI policies.
The success of these anti-DEI efforts comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s ruling against race-conscious college admissions, energizing critics who argue that such policies in the workplace may violate principles of fairness. They contend that DEI programs risk prioritizing gender, race, or sexual orientation at the expense of merit and broader inclusivity.
However, national civil rights groups, including the NAACP and the Human Rights Campaign, are rallying in defense of DEI. These organizations have issued letters urging CEOs of Fortune 1000 companies to maintain their commitment to inclusion initiatives, arguing that backing away from DEI harms both businesses and the economy.
Proponents of DEI insist that inclusive policies are necessary to create equal opportunities for historically marginalized groups, making businesses more competitive and workplaces more welcoming. They caution that companies abandoning these efforts risk alienating employees and customers who value diverse and equitable work environments.
USA Today, Market Watch, and Fortune contributed to this report.
