Chick-fil-A, a cherished icon in conservative American culture, has stirred controversy with its newly recognized commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Long recognized for its principled stand against gay marriage, the Atlanta-based fast-food giant recently saw a wave of criticism flood social media platforms after it promoted Erick McReynolds, a long-term employee, to the position of Vice President of DEI.
McReynolds, who has served Chick-fil-A since 2007, was elevated to this role in 2021. However, the recent social media furor and concurrent DEI-related controversies at Bud Light, Target, and Kohl’s have put Chick-fil-A under scrutiny, prompting conservative voices to voice their dissent.
Chick-fil-A is infected with DEI and it will only be a matter of time before that place falls in every way possible. pic.twitter.com/0Lg6NWcu90
— Brandon Morse (@TheBrandonMorse) May 30, 2023
The brunt of the criticism derives from concerns about the company “going woke” — a common reference to a perceived leftward shift in its corporate philosophy. In addition, conservatives claim that the broad corporate embrace of DEI often results in discrimination based on race and gender under the guise of diversifying workforces.
Joey Mannarino, a conservative strategist, conveyed his apprehensions on Twitter, saying, “This is bad. Very bad. I don’t want to have to boycott. Are we going to have to boycott?” His poll with 166,000 followers revealed a nearly even split on the idea of a boycott, with 47% supporting the action.
Chick Fil A isn’t the Lords Chicken anymore…it’s the Woke Chicken…
Funding ties also to blackrock and vanguard in addition to hiring for DEI to up their ESG scores
Today I went to Canes pic.twitter.com/fD4k9Ij2d5
— MORGONN (@morgonnm) May 31, 2023
Chick-fil-A’s official stance, as communicated on its website, is a commitment to “Being Better at Together,” which aims to diversify its workforce, foster a sense of belonging and enhance its overall quality of care. McReynolds, quoted on the website, affirmed his dedication to promoting “mutual respect, understanding, and dignity” in their business operations. However, these statements have done little to quell the growing conservative outrage.
The expression of dismay isn’t merely confined to political strategists and pundits. Regular consumers have also raised concerns. As one Twitter user lamented, “I am hoping they will stand by their Christian values,” while another pledged, “As of today I will no longer be eating Chick-Fil-A.”
This recent controversy emerges against a backdrop of Chick-fil-A seeking to temper its political image. In 2019, the company ceased donations to groups opposing gay marriage to broaden its appeal beyond its core consumer base. However, with its nearly 3,000 restaurants spread across the lower 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, Chick-fil-A may need to walk a fine line to retain its loyal clientele while attempting to expand its horizons.
The conservative outrage over Chick-fil-A’s DEI commitment clearly indicates the challenges corporations face when trying to balance progressive ideals with a consumer base that cherishes traditional values. It’s a complex dance that will require deft navigation if Chick-fil-A hopes to prevent a full-scale boycott from its conservative patrons.
