Tractor Supply, a rural lifestyle retail chain with locations across the country, including many in the Bluegrass State, is altering its company initiatives after backlash from conservative consumers.
According to a statement released on Thursday, the company said the “hard-earned dollars” of consumers should go to communities “we all love,” therefore, they will ensure “activities and giving” tie directly to the business through a series of changes. Many LGBTQ+ supporters replied on social media, saying they’ll take their business elsewhere.
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Tractor Supply Co. eliminates DEI efforts amidst backlash from conservative consumers
Tractor Supply announced five major changes to better “represent the values of the communities and customers we serve” in Thursday’s release, including no longer submitting data to the Human Rights Campaign, refocusing Team Member Engagement Groups on mentoring, networking and supporting the business, focusing on rural America priorities including ag education, animal welfare, veteran causes and being a good neighbor and stop sponsoring nonbusiness activities like pride festivals and voting campaigns, eliminating DEI roles and retiring current DEI goals while still ensuring a respectful environment and withdrawing carbon emission goals and focusing on land and water conservation efforts.