The National Black Farmers Association is calling for the resignation of Tractor Supply’s president and CEO, Hal Lawton, after the retailer announced it would be dropping most of its corporate diversity and climate advocacy efforts. The decision to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion roles, end sponsorships of non-business activities like Pride festivals, and withdraw goals for reducing carbon emissions has sparked backlash from customers, including the NBFA. Tractor Supply, which has a core customer base of farmers and ranchers, is facing criticism for giving in to hate and harming its customers by abandoning crucial principles. Conservative activists opposed to DEI efforts, sponsorship of LGBTQ+ events, and climate advocacy pressured Tractor Supply on social media, leading to the company’s decision. Some customers have already decided to take their business elsewhere, resulting in potential boycotts. The reversal by Tractor Supply follows similar boycott campaigns against Bud Light and Target and has drawn criticism from organizations like the Human Rights Campaign. The NBFA, which has not been consulted on past diversity and inclusion goals, is now considering a boycott of Tractor Supply if nothing changes. The situation highlights the increasing challenge for consumer-facing businesses to navigate political and ideological divides in a polarized society.
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