Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Maker Ends Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Programs After Threats Of Boycotts

Another one bites the dust. It seems like every week another company is announcing the closure of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion departments, or scaling back their corporate activities and donations focused on social causes and deciding to spend more time on…you know, things that actually have to do with their business. In recent months, companies like Tractor Supply and John Deere have both announced changes in their corporate policies after coming under fire for their sponsorships of things like pride parades and festivals and their participation in DEI efforts companywide. And just this week, Harley-Davidson announced that they would refocus their sponsorships and their mission to more closely align with their customers after heavy criticism over comments made by their CEO. The changes have largely come as a result of pressure campaigns by conservative activist Robby Starbuck – but this time, it seems like one company decided to get out ahead of it before any negative attention came their way. Brown-Forman, the corporation that owns iconic spirits brands like Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve and Old Forester, sent out a company-wide memo yesterday announcing the end of several of their diversity, equity and inclusion programs. According the email, the company will now base incentives and goals on performance (weird concept, right?), and will be removing diversity quotas for both their employees and suppliers. The company will also end their participation in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index survey, which rates employers based on their LGBTQ+ policies. In addition, Brown-Forman announced that they will be reviewing their training programs for "consistency with an evolved strategy." https://twitter.com/robbystarbuck/status/1826432179661889899 Seems like these companies are all eager to get back to focusing on things like making whiskey, and no doubt are worried about becoming the next Bud Light after massive backlash last year led to billions of dollars in losses for the beer company.