Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the country, made a controversial decision to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The company stated that it would be distancing itself from “nonbusiness activities” following backlash from conservative customers. Tractor Supply announced it would no longer sponsor activities such as pride festivals and voting campaigns, and would be cutting DEI roles while maintaining a respectful environment.
The decision came after right-wing commentator Robby Starbuck criticized the company’s LGBTQ-inclusive stance and DEI hiring initiatives. Starbuck urged customers to boycott Tractor Supply, leading to the company’s policy pivot. Shaun Harper, a professor at the University of Southern California, pointed out that Tractor Supply failed to tailor its DEI policy to the rural communities it serves, which ultimately led to the backlash.
However, activists and experts argue that Tractor Supply’s decision is a setback for civil rights and LGBTQ+ protections in the workplace. By no longer submitting data to the Human Rights Campaign and backing away from LGBTQ+ inclusivity, the company is turning its back on its LGBTQ+ employees and customers.
This move is part of a larger trend of companies wavering on LGBTQ+ inclusion due to pressure from anti-LGBTQ groups. Other brands, such as Bud Light and Target, have faced similar backlash and boycotts. While appeasing conservative customers may seem like a short-term solution to boost revenue, the long-term consequences, such as potential litigation and reputational damage, could prove costly for companies in the future.
