Photo edit of the Chick-Fil-A logo. Credit: Alexander J. Williams III/Pop Acta.
Photo edit of the Chick-Fil-A logo. Credit: Alexander J. Williams III/Pop Acta.

The recent appointment of a Vice President of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) at Chick-fil-A has stirred concerns among conservative groups, leading to discussions about the company’s values and principles. While Chick-fil-A has been highly regarded for its religious foundation and support of organizations that uphold traditional values, the selection of Erick McReynolds as the VP of DEI has raised skepticism among critics who believe the company may have embraced what they perceive as a “woke” ideology.

DEI is a concept that many companies and organizations are embracing as they seek to improve their work environments. It encompasses a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. While these principles are driven by good intentions, they have faced scrutiny from conservatives in recent times.

Critics argue that DEI initiatives sometimes prioritize superficial factors like diversity quotas over individual merit and qualifications. They express concerns that such an approach could compromise the quality of the workforce and hinder overall performance and competitiveness.

According to The Hill:

News of Chick-fil-A having vice president of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) has some conservative groups calling for a boycott. The fast food giant has been a favorite among many over the years, due in large part to its religious roots and sporadic financial support of anti-LGBTQ organizations, but a previous announcement of Erick McReynolds, VP, DEI, who has been with the company’s DEI segment since 2020, has some claiming the company has “gone woke.”

It’s unclear why news of Chick-fil-A’s previous DEI initiatives took off on social media Tuesday, though it may possibly be due to several viral posts.

Chick-fil-A’s DEI data comes just months after Bud Light captured the ire of some in the GOP for its partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. It’s still too early to know if it will affect the company in the longterm, however. Especially since Chick-fil-A has practically been a part of conservative culture for several years.

After years of controversy surrounding its donations to organizations considered by many to be anti-LGBTQ (the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, to name two of around 80), Chick-fil-A announced in 2019 it would transition its support elsewhere. As of 2020, USA Today reported the company itself had not resumed donations to these organizations. Since 2020, Chick-fil-A owner Dan Cathy has personally supported the National Christian Charitable Foundation, as reported by several outlets. The organization worked to derail passage of the Equality Act in 2021.

Chick-fil-A said in its resurfaced announcement that it hopes its “Better Together” DEI actions signals a positive change for the company.

The recent decision made by Chick-fil-A and the subsequent conservative backlash shed light on the ongoing and intricate discussion surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its implications. While DEI initiatives aim to promote inclusive work environments and address societal inequalities, many individuals on the right express valid concerns regarding the potential unintended consequences and the emphasis on diversity quotas over individual merit. These concerns stem from previous instances where DEI requirements have resulted in favoritism towards specific groups based solely on achieving diversity, rather than fostering a work culture centered on individual merit.



Comments

  1. All this started with Affirmative Action in the 70’s. I graduated with a degree to teach Vocational Education. Had to be an assistant teacher for 6 months or so to obtain credentials. Sorry, wrong sex and color. Bet they never filled the position, and as a result I never got to teach. If you believe good intentions aren’t compromised in the real world, you are wrong.

  2. Chic-Fil-a can support any organization they desire to contribute too. Is there money. I would not stop buying there just because they are not contributing to your wishes. Its organizations like yours that help to harm businesses. Bud lite company deserved to receive the treatment they have taken on but I do not believe this one does

  3. Well it’s goodby Chic fe Lei.Very disappointed with their New leadership.Hope many others follow,like goodby to Target also. They most surely don’t need our business.ps Wendy’s has great fried chicken plus their price is reasonable.

  4. White Chicken Forever! Stand your ground ChkFilA and I will eat your chicken ’till the end of time……….

  5. well i guess i will have to quit eating at chick fil a. i figured the chick would be one of the last businwess to go woke

  6. DEI=AFFIRMATIVE ACTION by a “New Name” “QUALITY VERSUS QUANTITY”
    Where Race, Color, and whatever else Socialist/Communist Ideology can bring to bear to the forefront to squash those that have the conviction that
    Qualification is bypassed by some “Social Quota” of diversification to please some sort of Democrat Dream, rather than a Nightmare purporting the Illusion of “Equality” comes before “Qualification” much like “The Cart before the Horse” leaving many people Wondering if this is still the AMERICA
    We the People have come to know and respect as a FREE COUNTRY!

  7. Who says they are driven by good intentions? This creeping marxist nonsense is getting worse every damn day, and their intentions are not honorable to say the least.

  8. I’ve already been boycotting Chick-fil-A since they pulled their support of the Salvation Army so no loss of revenue from me.

  9. Chick-Fil-A needs to stay true to the path that Truett Cathey set out for it years ago. And that path was that you stay true to Biblical principles and you don’t ignore them just because a bunch of panty wasted liberals don’t like them. They need to look at what’s happened to Target and Bud Light and learn a lesson before they have to learn it the hard way.

  10. Re DEI; “While these principles are driven by good intentions,…” : NO, NO, NO, that is NOT correct. DEI is a Progressive/Communist/Satanist TOOL to utterly destroy our society, nation and civilization so that the NWO/OWG can take total control and power. It is high level deceit. The Owner should be ashamed of himself and rectify this terrible, horrific mistake.

  11. This is the dumbest thing that I cannot even imagine they would do – if there and that serious, then go woke and go broke – follow the steps of Bud Light. I imagine that people all over Texas, that are aware of this, will no longer be buying their chicken.

  12. How could this possibly happen at Chick-fil-A of all places? If this is true, they are on the same path as Bud-Light, Target, Kohls, and soon to be The L.A. Dodgers.

  13. Woke behavior is tiresome, boring and now has worn out its welcome. Most of us did not openly denigrate or even feel disdain for this obvious minority — until they shoved it front and center into our collective face. Many wokees are atheist, agnostic or inactive, divided in their rationale for making so much noise.

    Seems, Chick-fil-A has joined the movement just as it crests and faces a downhill slide to the invisibility it enjoyed through popular history. The question for Chick-fil-A is whether or not it should have remained silent, enjoyed its profit and minimized criticism. Most customers will remember their outrage after they buy the product.

  14. If I were Chick-Fil-A, I would bring my board members together and pray about this, then I would get on TV, and Radio and explain to America that they are not going Woke. To be honest, I was upset about this when I heard it, and glad to hear a different version.

  15. Chick-Fil-A Does Not Need DEI as They are already Diversified. Financial Companies and gays are trying to Make Them Feel Bad For No Reason. Chick Should Not Play The “Let’s Pretend” Game.

  16. I will continue to return to Chick-Fil-A. They have great food and wonderful service. This dragging any company through the weeds is getting very tiresome! GROW UP!!!!

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