**Chick-fil-A Sparks Debate on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives**
May 30th saw Twitter buzzing with conversation around Chick-fil-A’s newly created “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” (DEI) page and the promotion of Erick McReynolds to Vice President of DEI at the restaurant chain. The reaction from conservative figures was swift, and the leftist media’s distorted coverage further fanned the flames of debate.
Chick-fil-A’s DEI page highlights the company’s commitment to being “Better at Together,” emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its operations. Some notable conservative voices, such as Michael Knowles, Allie Beth Stuckey, and Charlie Kirk, aired their criticisms of the initiative. Meanwhile, leftist news outlets such as The Hill selectively amplified calls for boycotts of Chick-fil-A, while others like The New York Times and CNN seemed to miss the point on conservatives’ objections to DEI altogether.
A 2020 video of Chick-fil-A owner Dan Cathy shining rapper Lecrae Moore’s shoes, calling on white people to demonstrate humility and apology for past injustices, also resurfaced during the uproar, adding fuel to the fire.
Critics of Chick-fil-A’s DEI program, such as Human Events Senior Editor Jack Posobiec and TPUSA Founder Charlie Kirk, argue that the initiative is another example of the company “going woke.” Allie Beth Stuckey, host of the “Relatable” podcast, highlights the potential for such policies to lead to the adoption of controversial gender theory and discriminatory “anti-racism” practices.
Stuckey suggests that companies embracing DEI may fall prey to the discriminatory ideas championed by figures like Ibram X. Kendi, who believes that historical racism can only be rectified by present and future discrimination against non-black individuals.
Daily Wire columnist Michael Knowles echoes Stuckey’s sentiment, questioning Chick-fil-A’s decision to embrace DEI in the first place. He asserts that the restaurant chain’s adoption of the program is a striking example of liberal ideology’s pervasive influence on our culture.
While some conservatives have called for a boycott of Chick-fil-A, many others, such as radio host Erick Erickson, argue against it. They claim that boycotting the company would only harm the conservative cause in the eyes of the general public. Notably, Chick-fil-A’s DEI page does not explicitly promote gender theory.
**It’s Time for the Media to Fairly Represent DEI Initiatives**
Conservative values are at risk of being misrepresented or ignored by mainstream media outlets. It is crucial for organizations like The New York Times, The Hill, and CNN to provide honest and accurate coverage of DEI initiatives and their connection to “anti-racism,” gender theory, and discrimination.
