A fast-food chain that for years has been castigated by progressives over its donations to anti-LGBT groups and allegations it embraced discriminatory practices is now being assailed by conservatives over a new initiative that aims to promote diversity, Newsweek reports.

Chick-fil-A on its website reported that it has named Erick McReynolds as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), a move that has angered conservatives.

“One of our core values at Chick-fil-A, Inc. is that we are better together,” Chick-fil-A wrote of its website on its DEI initiative.

“When we combine our unique backgrounds and experiences with a culture of belonging, we can discover new ways to strengthen the quality of care we deliver: to customers, to the communities we serve and to the world. We understand that getting Better at Together means we learn better, care better, grow better and serve better.”

The announcement immediately sparked conservative backlash on social media.

tonguengroover wrote: Tue May 30, 2023 9:24 pm I dont eat where I poop. Them and Hobby Lobby will only recieve turds from me.

highdesert wrote: Wed May 31, 2023 10:45 am I've only eaten at one Chick-fil-A and that was when I was working and my staff picked the place and I wasn't driving. The food was ok but I've never been back. Chick-fil-A is no longer a GA or Southern chain, it's national and there are quite a few in CA. Eventually a new generation of the Cathy family will take over. So Cal's beloved "In-N-Out Burger" is owned by the very religious Snyder family, I'm sure there are plenty of atheists who have eaten their burgers, I admit I have.

highdesert wrote:I've only eaten at one Chick-fil-A and that was when I was working and my staff picked the place and I wasn't driving. The food was ok but I've never been back. Chick-fil-A is no longer a GA or Southern chain, it's national and there are quite a few in CA. Eventually a new generation of the Cathy family will take over. So Cal's beloved "In-N-Out Burger" is owned by the very religious Snyder family, I'm sure there are plenty of atheists who have eaten their burgers, I admit I have.

Bisbee wrote: Fri Jun 02, 2023 5:53 pm In n Out’s conservative politics:

https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/food-d ... houldnt-be

Eris wrote: Tue May 30, 2023 9:54 pm I haven't eaten at a Chik-Fil-A since the early 80's and have no particular desire to go there in any event. But this is a small first step in the right direction. Now let's see how inclusive they actually become.

As for people "whining" about LGBT inclusion, it makes perfect sense given the company owners' well documented history of donating to anti-LGBT causes. So far they have given us some nice and hopeful words, but it will be their actions going forward that really show who they are.

sikacz wrote: Sat Jun 03, 2023 9:02 am The article’s focus on LGBT inclusion no doubt was based on June being Pride month, which celebrates all regardless of race. Still the company statement of inclusion is a great start, but it really doesn’t define who they are including. Considering the company’s past, I would suspect it doesn’t include the LGBTQ community. Sounds more like just a marketing ploy before Pride month without actually recognizing the LGBT community. Time will tell what this actually means if anything.

sikacz wrote: Sat Jun 03, 2023 9:02 am The article’s focus on LGBT inclusion no doubt was based on June being Pride month, which celebrates all regardless of race. Still the company statement of inclusion is a great start, but it really doesn’t define who they are including. Considering the company’s past, I would suspect it doesn’t include the LGBTQ community. Sounds more like just a marketing ploy before Pride month without actually recognizing the LGBT community. Time will tell what this actually means if anything.

highdesert wrote: Sun Jun 04, 2023 12:21 pm

sikacz wrote: Sat Jun 03, 2023 9:02 am The article’s focus on LGBT inclusion no doubt was based on June being Pride month, which celebrates all regardless of race. Still the company statement of inclusion is a great start, but it really doesn’t define who they are including. Considering the company’s past, I would suspect it doesn’t include the LGBTQ community. Sounds more like just a marketing ploy before Pride month without actually recognizing the LGBT community. Time will tell what this actually means if anything.

It's been a long standing joke that corporations are quick to support the LGBT community during Pride Month (June) and are less enthusiastic come July 1st. For them It's all about marketing and making money. Corporations run hot and cold just like politicians.

I don't care what a fast-food owners personal religion and politics are, I'll oppose them it they fund hate organizations and mistreat their employees. So many fast-food outlets are franchises, so the politics of a corporate owner are often irrelevant. I don't check the politics of the owner of every business I patronize, if an owner is a douche it will become public knowledge.

sikacz wrote: Sun Jun 04, 2023 1:37 pm
I think there is a term for trying to profit without actually supporting the issue. Turning a celebration for awareness to an opportunity to maximize profits and not really advocating for meaningful change. I don’t recall the exact term, but if it comes to me I’ll post it. Adding it’s a form of slacktivism.