In the aftermath of a social media-based boycott threats, Tractor Supply Co. announced it would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roles in the business, cancel DEI goals and no longer submit data to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization.
The company will refocus team member engagement groups on mentoring, networking and supporting the business and away from other considerations. Tractor Supply will shift social initiatives on rural America priorities including agricultural education, animal welfare, veteran causes and “being a good neighbor” and stop sponsoring nonbusiness activities, such as pride festivals and voting campaigns, the company indicated in a statement posted on its website.
In responding to the boycott threat, Tractor Supply is facing a backlash from groups that supported the programs it canceled. The National Black Farmers Association, for one, is calling for the immediate resignation of Tractor Supply President Hal Lawton. According to NBFA, president John Boyd, identified as a Tractor Supply shareholder and customer, the company’s decision demonstrated disregard for black farmers, including the association’s 130,000 members.
