A conservative influencer’s campaign against corporate ‘wokeness’

Robby Starbuck, a 35-year-old anti-woke activist and filmmaker, has emerged as a pivotal div in Walmart’s recent decision to modify its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, marking another significant moment in the ongoing corporate culture wars.

The intervention

Starbuck claims he directly engaged with Walmart executives last week, warning them about an impending story on the company’s “woke” initiatives. The subsequent dialogue reportedly led to substantial policy changes, though Walmart maintains these modifications were already in progress.

Key policy changes

Walmart’s announced adjustments include:

• Discontinuing the Racial Equity Center launched in 2020
• Removing terminology like ‘LatinX’ from official communications
• Reviewing all funding of Pride and other events to avoid funding inappropriate sexualized content targeting kids
• Removing certain sexual and transgender products marketed toward children

Who is Robby Starbuck?

A Nashville-based activist with over 700,000 followers on social media, Starbuck has built a reputation for challenging corporate diversity policies. His wife, Landon, is a prominent advocate for conservative causes in Tennessee, including restrictions on transgender medical care for minors.

Background on DEI policies

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies gained significant momentum following George Floyd’s murder in May 2020. These initiatives aim to:

• Represent diverse backgrounds
• Ensure fair compensation and treatment
• Create inclusive workplace environments

Broader context

The Human Rights Campaign’s 2024 LGBTQ+ Climate Survey reveals stark consumer sentiments:

• 80.1% of LGBTQ+ adults would boycott companies rolling back DEI initiatives
• 75.7% would develop a less favorable view of such businesses

Starbuck’s track record

Before the Walmart intervention, Starbuck had successfully challenged DEI policies at numerous corporations, including:

• Tractor Supply
• John Deere
• Harley Davidson
• Ford
• Toyota
• Boeing

Corporate response

Walmart emphasized that its changes stem from an ongoing internal review, stating: “We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging.”

Starbuck’s intervention represents a continuing narrative of conservative pushback against corporate diversity initiatives, highlighting the ongoing cultural and political tensions surrounding workplace inclusivity. The story underscores the complex landscape of corporate social responsibility, where businesses must navigate increasingly polarized social and political expectations.