Home improvement and agriculture chain Tractor Supply is scrapping its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program and climate goals after weeks of backlash from conservatives.
instatementIn a statement Thursday, the company said it works hard to “represent the values of the communities and customers we serve.”
“Our customers have told us they’ve been disappointed, and we take this feedback seriously,” the Tennessee-based company said.
The company added that it would no longer submit data to LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign, eliminate its DEI role, withdraw all current DEI targets while ensuring a respectful environment, and remove its carbon emissions targets to focus on land and water conservation efforts.
Much of the criticism Tractor Supply has received has come from Robbie Starbuck, a film director who is running as an unnamed Republican candidate in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District in 2022.
in Posted on X earlier this monthStarbucks criticized the company over its diversity training, funding for Pride events and “climate change activism.”
He also criticized investors, Posted earlier this week “The forced woke values of these groups must end.”
Tractor Supply said in a statement Thursday that it will now “redirect its focus to rural America’s priorities, including agricultural education, animal welfare, supporting veterans and being a good neighbor, and will no longer sponsor nonprofit activities such as Pride festivals and voter campaigns.”
“Rural communities are the bedrock of our nation and what makes America great,” the company added. “We’re honored to be a part of them.”
But Tractor Supply is already facing backlash over its decision.
Sen. Charlene Oliver, a Democrat from Tennessee, criticized the company’s decision late Thursday.
“Imagine being headquartered in the ninth wealthiest county in the country and claiming to be the ‘largest advocate’ for rural America, where poverty is at its highest,” she says.Posted in X.
“And to choose hate and bigotry by releasing this in the same month of Juneteenth and Pride is an egregious act.”
California Senator Scott Wiener Accused Tractor Supply has succumbed to a “right-wing abusive organization.”
“Mob rule continues at the expense of those who don’t fit the white, 1950s image of America,” Weiner said.
Tractor Supply did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.
