Al Sharpton threatens PepsiCo over rollback of DEI initiatives
- Rev. Al Sharpton expressed disappointment over PepsiCo's rollback of DEI initiatives, stating it undermines equity efforts.
- Sharpton called for a boycott against PepsiCo if it does not revert its decision within three weeks.
- The situation underscores the larger trend of companies reassessing their DEI policies in the current political environment.
In early 2025, Rev. Al Sharpton expressed his strong disapproval of PepsiCo's decision to halt its commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), outlining his discontent in a letter to CEO Ramon Laguarta. Sharpton, a prominent civil rights activist and president of the National Action Network, accused the company of abandoning its earlier equity goals. He emphasized that dismantling community partnerships and removing DEI hiring goals indicated that political pressure had overshadowed ethical commitments. The call for a boycott was rooted in ongoing national discussions on corporate responsibility and equity in corporate hiring practices. As companies navigate changing political climates, many, including PepsiCo, have rolled back on previous DEI commitments, contrasting with competitors like Coca-Cola, which reaffirmed its support for inclusive policies. Sharpton's activism highlighted the consequences businesses face when they move away from diversity efforts, warning that retraction from DEI initiatives could damage both community trust and the companies’ standing among socially conscious consumers. He set a three-week deadline for PepsiCo to reverse its decision, firmly stating that if the company did not comply, communities would withdraw their patronage, reflecting broader implications of corporate accountability toward minority groups and social justice issues.