After the death of George Floyd in 2020, more business decided to adopt workplace policies that looked “politically correct.”
When the Biden White House came into power in 2021, they “encouraged” companies to take on what is known as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
But now several of these companies that went down that path have now chosen to eliminate DEI practices.
The most recent announcement of companies leaving from DEI. are Ford Motor Co., John Deere, Lowe’s, Harley-Davidson and Tractor Supply Co. Why are companies cutting DEI programs?
Liberals claim the reason why these companies are ditching DEI programs is due to “woke” backlash from conservatives, but others say it’s gone too far.
“When it comes to wokeness, “the American people hate this stuff,” said Fox Business correspondent Charlie Gasparino and author of the new book, “Go Woke, Go Broke: The Inside Story of the Radicalization of Corporate America,”
In his book, Gasparino details the “woke” path companies like Disney pushed with LGBTQ content in its movies, while BlackRock pressured companies to embrace Environmental Social Guidance, including Bud Light and retail giant Target.
Gasparino says these companies alienated ordinary Americans and the consumer rebelled against these companies. “The American consumer has rejected wokeness and are running away from it.” Gasparino said.
Gasparino also says DEI initiatives are a huge liability for American businesses, using Delta Airlines as an example.
“If you’re gonna apply [DEI] strictly across all jobs at Delta, well then you’re going to get airline pilots that are picked not necessarily for their skill, but based on their racial or their gender classification,” Gasparino said. “It’s a scary thing.”
Is the rejection of wokeness a trend?
“I think so, Gasparino said. “The American Consumers are rejecting wokeness the workplace, but the question is, will voters reject it at the ballot box November.”