John,
As Trump and his white supremacist allies escalate their all-out war on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, some major corporations are shamefully caving to the pressure and abandoning their commitments to building inclusive workplaces. Instead of standing up for equality and fair opportunity, these companies are retreating in fear, prioritizing political convenience over fundamental values.
The conservative backlash has already pushed companies like Boeing, Home Depot, McDonald’s, Harley Davidson, Target, Disney, and Walmart to gut their DEI initiatives such as supplier diversity trainings and diversity goals for senior leadership positions. Lowes ended their sponsorship of LGBTQ+ events and withdrew from the Human Rights Campaign. Meta (which owns Facebook) disbanded its DEI team and canceled all its programs for promoting equity.
While some companies are backing down, others are leading by example: Microsoft, Ben & Jerry’s, Delta, Cisco, e.l.f. Beauty, and Patagonia remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces despite relentless attacks from right-wing extremists.
Apple issued a statement that focuses on the value of creating a “culture of belonging.” When Costco shareholders were faced with a proposal to end inclusivity programs, 98% of them voted to uphold the initiatives.
These companies recognize that DEI isn’t just the right thing to do -- it’s also smart business. Studies repeatedly show that diverse workplaces drive innovation, boost employee morale, and improve financial performance.
Now is the time for companies to stand firm. Tell corporations: Do not cave to Trump’s attacks on DEI!
Companies that choose to pull back on diversity are harming their communities, while shooting themselves in the foot. A company’s dedication to diversity, fairness, and equal opportunity should not be dictated by shifting political winds or a change in presidential administration. Equality is not a partisan issue -- it is a fundamental moral and business principle that every corporation must uphold.
And make no mistake: this attack on DEI isn’t just about corporate policies. Trump and his allies are waging a broader war against women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups.
Trans people, in particular, are being singled out in some of the most vicious and dehumanizing attacks by the hard right fascist movement. From efforts to ban gender-affirming healthcare to erasing LGBTQ+ identities from workplaces and schools, this agenda is about rolling back civil rights and reinstating systemic discrimination.
When corporations retreat from DEI, they send a dangerous message: that fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity are negotiable. That marginalized communities are disposable. That political convenience matters more than human rights. We cannot allow this to happen.
If Apple and Costco can stand firm in the face of right-wing pressure, every corporation can. No more excuses. No more backtracking.
Add your name to tell corporations to reject Trump’s extremist attacks and reaffirm their commitment to DEI today!
Thank you for demanding accountability. Together, we will continue to build a more just, humane, and affirming world for all.
- DFA AF Team
