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Anatomy of a Backlash: Tractor Supply Company’s DEI Challenge
Darein Burton
July 09, 2024
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DEI Insights Corner
Discover the latest in DEI innovations and strategies. Every historically underrepresented worker and ally should know best practices and emerging trends for inclusive workplaces.
Anatomy of a Backlash: Tractor Supply Company’s DEI Challenges
2024©Perspectives Media
Overcoming Backlash: Make A Plan Now
Over 60 years post the Civil Rights and Equal Pay Acts, DEI efforts still face significant resistance, exemplified by a recent backlash at Tractor Supply Company. Led by a lone far-right figure, Robbie Starbuck, this opposition utilized digital mobilization and emotionally charged rhetoric, echoing disruptive tactics seen in events like the January 6th Capitol attack. They successfully got Tractor Supply company to walk away from its commitments to Pride and all other DEI-related initiatives.
We analyzed over 153 websites that produced 59 unique articles about the Tractor Supply Company. Our analysis suggests that the far-right activists used mob-like tactics patterned after January 6th attacks to be mentally and physically threatening to the staff of Tractor Supply Company. The good news is that if you and your company are better prepared, and learn from TSC’s bad business case, you can overcome these challenges.
In our article titled, “Anatomy of a Backlash: Analyzing Tractor Supply Company’s DEI Blowup,” you’ll find practical tips to prepare for and overcome situations like this. Whether you are attacked personally while just doing your job like Ruby Freeman and Shay Moss, are attacked for your past work or social media comments like former president of Harvard, Dr. Claudine Gay, or want to help your institution make a emergency communication plan, we’ve got advice to help you get started.
DEI Insights Roundup
Transforming Talent Acquisition with Skills-Based Hiring: Skills-based hiring is revolutionizing the job market by focusing on candidates' abilities over traditional credentials, promoting a more inclusive recruitment process. This approach broadens opportunities for those with non-traditional backgrounds, enhancing diversity and reducing biases. Employers benefit from a more accurate assessment of a candidate's potential, leading to quicker hiring decisions, reduced costs, and increased retention. For job seekers, it means greater access to opportunities that align with their actual skills, fostering better job satisfaction and career progression. Read more from Elizabeth Muenzen at Money Talks News.
Breaking Language Barriers: NYC Budget Allocates Crucial Funding for Migrant Language Services In a significant stride toward greater inclusivity, New York City's new $112.4 billion budget includes vital funding enhancements for language access services, addressing the diverse needs of its migrant population. The establishment of a central interpreter bank marks a pivotal development, ensuring that migrants and asylum seekers who speak lesser-known languages receive the support they need. Read more from Ariama C. Long at Amsterdam News.
Launching Diversity into Orbit: Space Workforce 2030, initiated by The Aerospace Corporation and partners, aims to diversify the aerospace sector by increasing the presence of women and people of color. Through dynamic STEM activities and impactful events like National Space Day, this initiative nurtures a community of future engineers while addressing racial and gender disparities in the industry. With its strong focus on educational outreach and professional development, Space Workforce 2030 is shaping a more inclusive future in aerospace engineering. Read more from Irene Huh at Daily Bruin.
Fewer Black Doctors Means Worse Health Outcomes: As anti-DEI legislation gains momentum, led by GOP legislators and reinforced by a Supreme Court decision, medical schools are struggling to recruit Black students. Studies show that Black patients often fare better with doctors who share their racial background, highlighting the necessity of diverse medical professionals in addressing health disparities. Despite state-wide challenges, the University of Mississippi School of Medicine is actively working to attract more Black students. Read more from Sharelle Burt at Black Enterprise.
Surge in HBCU Enrollment Up Amidst DEI Conservative Backlash: Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are witnessing a significant uptick in student applications, a trend amplified by the political dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and changes in affirmative action policies. Institutions like Howard University and Florida A&M have seen applications double, demonstrating a growing demand for the supportive and inclusive environments that HBCUs are known for. Despite their success in producing leading professionals across various fields, HBCUs continue to face resource challenges. Learn more from Angela Johnson at The Root.
Navigating Community Resistance-The Struggle for Muslim-Centric Development in Lino Lakes: The planned Madinah Lakes development in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, featuring over 400 homes along with a mosque and businesses, is facing significant local resistance from white residents according to Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-MN. Despite this backlash and a potential one-year moratorium by the city council, the developers, led by Zikar Holdings, remain dedicated to pursuing the project. Read more from Katelyn Vue at Sahan Journal.
Voices of Empowerment
Success for everyone: Get inspired by the achievements of everyday underrepresented Americans and find your own path to success.
Empowering Latinx Communities: LULAC Elects Visionary New Leader
Various Luminaries and Everyday Members of Lulac, Public Domain Mark 1.0.
Founded in 1929, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States, dedicated to advancing the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans. LULAC's significant achievements in education, civil rights, economic empowerment, and political advocacy have made a profound impact on the lives of Hispanic Americans, promoting equality and inclusion across the nation.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has elected Roman Palomares as its new National President. A Vietnam Era veteran and seasoned federal executive, Palomares is committed to amplifying the voices of Latino communities and advocating for equitable policies.
With a focus on empowering the next generation, his stated leadership goals are to address the pressing issues facing marginalized groups within the Latinx diaspora including women, veterans, and the LGBTQ community.
Voices of Empowerment Roundup
Calling for Open and Shared Values in the Indo-Pacific: The Filipino American Human Rights Alliance (FAHRA) and other Asian community groups rallied on Philippine Independence Day to protest illegal Chinese expansion in the South China Sea. Activists like Ago Pedalizo emphasized the importance of standing against aggression while promoting solidarity among Asian communities in the U.S. These efforts highlight the resilience and unity of the Asian diaspora in advocating for their ancestral homelands and resisting oppression. Read more from Jia H. Hong at AsAmNews.
Black LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurs Lead the Way: Black LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs are making significant strides in diverse industries, advocating for equal rights and creating inclusive spaces. Leaders like James Felton Keith and Jordyn Jay are enhancing DEI practices and empowering future generations of artists. Innovators such as Sianni Dean and Phillip Collins are transforming the culinary and art sectors, showcasing resilience and creativity. Read more from Isaac Ocean at Rolling Out.
Recognizing Emerging Voices - Writers Fellowship Awarded: Nicole Leung and Adam Wassilchalk, two early-career cultural critics of color, have been awarded the Irene Yamamoto Arts Writers Fellowship. This fellowship, supported by the Japanese American National Museum, aims to enrich arts writing with diverse cultural and political perspectives. Both fellows will receive $5,000 to support their work in theater, dance, and performance art over a six-month period. Read more from Rafu Shimpo.
LGBTQ+ Olympics Takeover: As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, a diverse array of 40 LGBTQ+ athletes are set to compete, showcasing their resilience and excellence across various sports. From swimming to basketball, these athletes not only represent their countries but also break barriers and promote inclusivity in the world of sports. Their participation is a powerful statement of visibility and empowerment for the global LGBTQ+ community. Read more from Mey Rude at Out.com.
Trans Brits Under Attack: Amid the U.K. snap elections, Billie Burton, a British-American trans woman, highlights the severe impact of the anti-trans movement, fueled by radical feminist groups and government actions. This hostile environment has led to an exodus of trans individuals seeking safer spaces and has created significant barriers to accessing essential healthcare. Burton's reflection on her experiences underscores the urgent need for systemic change to protect and empower the transgender community. Read more from Billie Burton at The Advocate.
Policy Spotlight
Stay updated on key policy changes and legislation affecting your workplace rights and opportunities.
Supreme Court Ruling Threatens Disability Rights
2024©Perspectives Media
The recent Supreme Court decision overturning the Chevron precedent poses significant risks to disability rights by increasing legal challenges to federal regulations. Advocates Maria Town (AAPD) and Kim Musheno (Autism Society of America) warn that this could undermine decades of progress, particularly in areas like health care access and public accommodations. The decision may also lead to more cautious regulatory actions, reducing protections for people with disabilities.
Policy Roundup
New Anti-DEI Legislation in Effect Across Four States: New laws in Utah, Indiana, Kansas, and Idaho restrict DEI efforts in higher education, impacting recruitment and retention of underrepresented students and staff. These laws ban DEI offices, diversity training, and identity-based hiring, posing significant challenges for administrators. Advocates worry that these restrictions will hinder efforts to address discrimination and inequities on campuses. Read more from Maggie Hicks at The Chronicle.
Nursing Parents Demand Workplace Accommodations: The PUMP Act expands protections for nursing parents, allowing them to sue employers who fail to provide adequate time and private spaces for pumping breast milk. Advocates like Liz Morris from the Center for WorkLife Law and Elizabeth Gedmark from A Better Balance emphasize that low-wage women of color face the highest barriers in accessing these accommodations, highlighting the racial justice aspect of this issue. With numerous lawsuits filed against major companies, the need for stronger enforcement and creative solutions is crucial to ensure compliance and support for all nursing parents. Read more from Chabeli Carrazana at The 19th.
Court Ruling Threatens Diversity-Focused Venture Capital Funding: A recent U.S. appeals court decision against the Fearless Fund has sent shockwaves through the diversity-focused venture capital sector. The ruling, which challenges the fund's support for women-of-color-led businesses, could jeopardize over $200 billion committed to similar programs. In 2022, Black founders received less than 0.5% of venture capital funding, underscoring the critical need for these initiatives. Advocates like Ying McGuire of the National Minority Supplier Development Council emphasize that this decision contradicts civil rights laws and threatens the scant progress made in funding underrepresented founders. Read more from Krystal Hu at KFGO.
Texas Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Gender-Affirming Care: The Texas Supreme Court has upheld the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, leaving families and healthcare professionals navigating an impossible healthcare landscape. Advocates like Karen Loewy from Lambda Legal and Ash Hall from the ACLU of Texas warn of the devastating impact on transgender youth, emphasizing the critical role of medical professionals in advocating for comprehensive care. The decision has intensified the ongoing fight for transgender health care rights. Read more from Trudy Ring at Advocate.com.
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