Overview of the Issue
Rev. Al Sharpton has publicly urged PepsiCo to reinstate their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, which were recently scaled back. During a press conference, Sharpton announced that he would lead a boycott against the beverage giant if they do not revise their DEI strategy.
Details of the Boycott Threat
Sharpton emphasized the importance of these DEI initiatives, not only for promoting diversity within the company but also for setting a standard in corporate America. He stated, ‘If PepsiCo does not address this critical issue and reinstate these vital programs, we will initiate a boycott.’ He argues that companies should be inclusive and represent diverse communities not just in their customer base, but also at every level of their operation.
Corporate Response
As of now, PepsiCo has not responded to the calls for action from Sharpton and other civil rights advocates. The company previously boasted a comprehensive DEI strategy but provided no comment on the recent changes or the potential for future revisions.