John Deere revealed that the company would end some diversity initiatives and endorsements of homosexuality and transgenderism, marking the second firm at which conservative activist Robby Starbuck has exposed practices at odds with the values of consumers.
Starbuck released a series of videos detailing leftist policies at the agricultural equipment firm, such as funds for so-called sex-change surgeries for both children and adults through their health plans, as well as images from “pride month” events provided to him by insiders. John Deere said that they would cease from bankrolling “pride month” parades, stop dividing business resource groups along identity lines, audit training material to ensure the absence of ideologically motivated messages, and end hiring quotas and preferred pronoun policies.
“We remain committed to listening to our customers, employees, and other key stakeholders,” the statement from John Deere remarked. “Your trust and confidence in us are of the utmost importance to everyone at John Deere and we fully intend to earn it.”
Starbuck commented that he was not entirely satisfied and said the move was “not enough for customers to go back,” since enthusiasts of the brand want the entire removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, as well as the end of reporting diversity data to the Human Rights Campaign, a group that monitors corporate affinity for homosexuality and transgenderism.
“This half measure shows that we’re a powerful force to be reckoned with though,” Starbuck said on social media. “While I’m not completely pleased, I don’t want to downplay the fact that this is another massive win. All of you are helping me force corporate America back to sanity.”
The announcement from John Deere indeed comes after Starbuck advocated for the removal of support for “pride month” and the end of diversity efforts at Tractor Supply Company. The latter firm removed all such initiatives and said they have “taken this feedback to heart.”
“At this point I think we can safely say that my strategy to bring back normalcy works. You just need to report the truth to people about what’s happening in corporate America,” Starbuck commented on social media. “Woke corporate executives all fear that their company is next to be exposed. Some will now drop their programs without us ever even doing a story.”
Other retail businesses have downplayed their support of “pride month” amid increased conservative hesitance toward the campaigns. Target only offered “pride month” merchandise at “select stores” this year, a move which comes after the retailer drew backlash last summer for items endorsing homosexual and transgender lifestyles, particularly for children.
