Conservatives looking to reverse corporate America’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion have found a champion in Robby Starbuck, a filmmaker, influencer and “anti-woke” activist. Though investors, Republican state attorneys-general and litigators have long pressured companies to abandon policies designed to diversify their workforces and support gay rights, few have had as much success as Starbuck.
“You know, when I talk about somebody being afraid to say anything about how they feel at work because they’re afraid they’re going to lose their job, that connects with somebody a hell of a lot more than a shareholder proposal does.” Farming retailer Tractor Supply said in July that it had “heard from our customers that we have disappointed them”, and pledged to “retire” its current diversity goals and climate pledges.