John Deere Withdraws Support for LGBTQ Pride Events Amid Cultural Shift

In a significant move reflecting the evolving landscape of corporate social responsibility, John Deere announced on Wednesday that it will no longer lend its name to social events, including LGBTQ Pride parades. The nearly 200-year-old industrial and farming equipment manufacturer stated via its X account that it would cease participation in external social or cultural awareness events. The company clarified that diversity quotas and pronoun identification are not part of its official policy, signaling a shift in its approach to social issues as the presidential election approaches. Despite this withdrawal from specific events, John Deere emphasized its commitment to diversity within its workforce. The company maintains that a diverse team is essential for meeting customer needs and will continue to track and advance diversity initiatives internally. This decision comes in the wake of similar actions by other corporations, such as Tractor Supply, which recently eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion roles entirely. The backlash against corporate support for social issues has been fueled by right-wing activists, including filmmaker Robby Starbuck, who has been vocal in pressuring companies to reassess their positions. Starbuck claimed that the campaign against Tractor Supply served as a model for influencing other firms, suggesting that corporate America is increasingly wary of backlash from conservative circles. While John Deere did not directly address Starbuck or the broader campaign in its announcement, it stated that the company is "always listening to feedback" and seeking opportunities for improvement. A representative from Deere did not provide immediate comments following the announcement.