John Deere & Co. backs off diversity policies, following Tractor Supply
CBSN
John Deere is joining a list of large American companies backing off from diversity policies in the face of conservative criticism.
The maker of John Deere tractors and other agricultural machinery on Tuesday said it would no longer participate in "social or cultural awareness" events. The company will also audit its mandated training materials to make sure they do not contain "socially motivated messages," Moline, Illinois-based John Deere said in a statement posted on social media.
The move comes only weeks after retailer Tractor Supply shut down its corporate diversity efforts, and illustrates the growing pressure on companies to shelve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The announcements by both companies come amid an online campaign by conservative activists that mark another chapter in an ongoing debate about the efficacy and fairness of policies aimed at making organizations more diverse and inclusive.
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear banned the use of "conversion therapy" on minors in Kentucky on Wednesday, calling his executive order an overdue step to protect children from a widely discredited practice that tries to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling. Over 20 other states that have passed laws prohibiting the controversial treatment.