Rev. Al Sharpton Leads Boycott Against Companies Removing DEI Programs
Rev. Al Sharpton has announced a bold new boycott campaign targeting companies that are eliminating their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The announcement was made on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C., where Sharpton called on all Americans—regardless of race or gender—to join the movement in defense of DEI.
DEI as a Civil Rights Remedy
Sharpton’s remarks were powerful and pointed. He explained that the push for DEI was a response to long-standing racial and institutionalized discrimination in American institutions, both academic and corporate. “Why do we have DEI? We have DEI because you denied us diversity, you denied us equity, you denied us inclusion,” he said, drawing a direct line between the historical injustices faced by marginalized communities and the need for such programs. He continued, invoking the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, suggesting that if DEI programs were dismantled, the fight for equality would take a more direct and combative form, “like Dr. King and Rosa Parks.”
Sharpton’s comments were met with strong support, underscoring the emotional and moral weight of the issue. He reminded the crowd that despite systemic attempts to marginalize Black people and other oppressed groups, they had persisted and would continue to fight for their rights.
The Boycott Plan and Study
Sharpton also detailed the logistics of the boycott. His organization, the National Action Network, will conduct a 90-day study to determine which companies have dropped DEI programs and what impact those decisions have on their profitability. After the study, Sharpton said two companies in particular would be singled out for targeted boycotts.
At the same time, Sharpton pledged his support to businesses that are maintaining or expanding their DEI efforts, like Costco, praising their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
A Showdown of Ideals: Sharpton vs. Trump
Sharpton didn’t shy away from directly contrasting his stance with that of President Trump, who was sworn into office on the same day. Trump has been vocal about his intention to dismantle DEI practices in the federal government. According to incoming White House officials, Trump’s executive order would instruct government agencies to end programs deemed “discriminatory.”
Sharpton responded with criticism, particularly in regard to Trump’s rhetoric surrounding the January 6th insurrection. Sharpton questioned how Trump could reconcile the values of peace and nonviolence on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with his ongoing support for individuals involved in the violent Capitol riot. “How are you Mr. Trump, on Martin Luther King Day, going to pardon folks that beat up police officers?” Sharpton asked, underscoring the stark moral divide between his own position and Trump’s.
The Historical Significance of MLK Day and Inauguration Day
This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day was particularly poignant, as it coincided with the inauguration of President Trump—only the third time in history this has happened. Previous such occasions were marked by President Clinton’s second term in 1997 and President Obama’s second in 2013. For many, however, this MLK Day felt different, particularly given Trump’s history of controversial and racially charged remarks.
Martin Luther King III, the son of the late civil rights leader, also weighed in on the divisive political climate, stressing the importance of unifying leadership in this moment. “If we continue to go down the road of division, hostility, and what appears to be hatred, that is not sustainable,” he said, reflecting the concerns of many about the growing divide in the nation.
An Unbiased Perspective
Rev. Al Sharpton’s boycott of companies removing DEI programs highlights a growing conflict over how best to address racial inequality in the workplace and beyond. While some may argue that DEI programs are unnecessary or even divisive, others, including Sharpton, see them as essential to dismantling long-standing institutional barriers. The debate over DEI is not just a corporate issue—it speaks to broader societal questions of equity, justice, and the role of government and business in fostering inclusivity.
As the boycott unfolds, it will be important to assess the real-world impacts of removing DEI initiatives, both on companies’ bottom lines and on the communities they serve. Sharpton’s call for action is a reminder that the struggle for civil rights is ongoing, and the future of DEI in America remains uncertain. However, the conversation itself is a crucial step toward understanding and addressing the complexities of equality in today’s world.