
Refrina / stock.adobe.com
CV NEWS FEED // After facing backlash for its pro-LGBT policies, Tractor Supply has issued a detailed apology, pledging to cut DEI roles and goals, and to cease its sponsoring of “Pride” festivals.
Tractor Supply came under fire earlier in June after investigative reporter Robby Starbuck reported on CEO Hal Lawton’s prioritization of “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) policies in the company.
Starbuck also reported that under Lawton, Tractor Supply started a political action committee (PAC) that donated thousands of dollars to Democrat campaigns from 2022-2024.
On June 27, Tractor Supply issued a statement announcing it would cease investing in these causes.
“We work hard to live up to our Mission and Values every day and represent the values of the communities and customers we serve,” the statement reads. “We have heard from customers that we have disappointed them. We have taken this feedback to heart.”
The statement lists several concrete steps the company will be taking to focus its resources on issues such as veteran causes and agricultural education, rather than political activism and pro-LGBT causes.
Tractor Supply stated that it will cut DEI roles and current DEI goals from the organization, and it will “stop sponsoring nonbusiness activities like pride festivals and voting campaigns.” The company also stated that it will stop submitting data to the LGBT advocacy group Human Rights Campaign.
“We will continue to listen to our customers and Team Members,” Tractor Supply’s statement continued after listing these steps. “Your trust and confidence in us are of the utmost importance, and we don’t take that lightly.”
The company added that it looks forward to celebrating the 4th of July, and celebrates over 50,000 team members in stores across the nation.
“Rural communities are the backbone of our nation and what make America great,” Tractor Supply stated, adding that it is “honored to be a part of them.”
According to an X post from retired collegiate swimmer and female athletes advocate Riley Gaines, Tractor Supply lost $2 billion before it reversed course.
“I believe this is the strongest ‘apology’ statement we’ve seen from a corporation so far,” she wrote.
On June 28, Starbuck pointed out on his X account that Tractor Supply’s stocks increased after the company issued the apology.
