As we conclude Pride Month, I read Tractor Supply Company’s (TSC) latest statement and am disappointed – but I can’t say that I’m surprised. Their decision to withdraw support for DEI initiatives and employees frustrates me. TSC stores are in many of our rural communities, supporting agriculture and many other people who live in our communities.
I found one of my first off-farm jobs at TSC in high school, and the team there was incredibly supportive. They helped me get started and learn how to care for customers within the resources we had to work with.
That experience, and now taking a look around at our current political environment, makes it even more concerning to see TSC pulling back from supporting marginalized groups.
My Questions for Tractor Supply
- Respect for All Customers: How does Tractor Supply plan to ensure a respectful environment for all customers, including LGBTQ+ people, as they eliminate their DEI programs?
- Support for Marginalized Groups: What steps will Tractor Supply take to ensure marginalized groups within our rural communities, who are also their customers and neighbors, are not discriminated against?
Greater Need for Visibility and Inclusion In Ag
This situation highlights the need for greater visibility and support for LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized groups in agriculture and rural communities.
A vocal group opposed to DEI efforts has likely influenced this decision, reflecting broader political trends that could have troubling consequences for inclusivity and acceptance in our communities.
Update: A political activist campaign was behind this policy change from Tractor Supply. This article from the Wall Street Journal goes into more detail. This was not a change due to actual customer demands.
The comments cheering this statement have already appeared and are disappointing but not surprising. They underscore the need for continued advocacy and visibility for all marginalized and underrepresented groups in our communities.
Rural America thrives on diversity, and we are working on greater inclusion. Every person, regardless of their background, contributes to the strength and resilience of our communities.
We need companies, leaders, and allies in our communities to continue building environments where everyone feels respected, safe, and given the opportunity to thrive as members of our communities.
How We Can Continue Working Toward Greater Visibility and Inclusion
- Community Engagement: Encourage local businesses, organizations, and leaders to actively support and engage with marginalized groups through their work and actions.
- Advocacy and Education: Promote educational initiatives that raise awareness about the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our rural communities.
- Support Networks: Build and strengthen networks for LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized groups to ensure they have access to resources, support, and inclusive spaces.
- Inclusive Policies: Advocate for inclusive policies at local and state levels that respect the rights and dignity of all people in our communities.
- Allyship: Encourage allies to speak up and stand with marginalized groups, fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.
I’ll take a line from Tractor Supply’s own position on Community.
“Our rural lifestyle is a celebration of independence. Self-reliance is a source of great pride, but the “do it yourself” attitude doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. The spirit of neighbor helping neighbor, exemplified by traditional barn raisings, is the foundation of life Out Here. This commitment to each other, to “being there” for our neighbors and friends, is what sustains us through good times and bad.”
P.S. I hope I’m wrong. As was pointed out in a tweet response, hopefully, one day, we can eliminate DEI-specific positions because DEI in the workplace should be everone’s responsibility. If that were the case for TSC, it would have been smart to include that in their statement this week.
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