All articles tagged with #conservative activism
The Oklahoma superintendent announced plans to establish Turning Point USA chapters in every high school to promote conservative values and counter perceived leftist influence, following increased interest after Charlie Kirk's death, with the state actively supporting and potentially penalizing schools that oppose these initiatives.
Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, prominent MAGA leaders are stepping in to continue Turning Point USA's campus tour, with Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, now serving as CEO to carry on his legacy and activism efforts.
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, has been elected as the new CEO of Turning Point USA, continuing her late husband's conservative activism and organizational legacy. She is a faith-based entrepreneur and advocate for traditional gender roles, and she plans to expand the organization's reach and influence following Charlie Kirk's death.
Walmart is phasing out several diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, with conservative influencer Robby Starbuck claiming credit for influencing this decision. Starbuck, known for his anti-DEI stance, has targeted various companies, including John Deere and Harley-Davidson, urging them to retreat from DEI initiatives. Despite his claims, broader trends and pressures, including post-2020 pushback from lawmakers and influential figures, are also contributing to these corporate shifts.
Walmart, the world's largest retailer, is scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies amid pressure from conservative activists and following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling against affirmative action. The company will not renew its commitment to a racial equity center, will stop participating in a gay rights index, and will not prioritize race or gender in supplier contracts. This move aligns with actions by other major corporations like Ford and Lowe's, reflecting a broader trend of corporate America reevaluating DEI initiatives.
Walmart has announced a rollback of some diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including removing certain LGBTQ merchandise from its website and winding down its Center for Racial Equity. This move aligns with a trend among companies like Tractor Supply and Lowe's, which have also reduced DEI efforts following pressure from conservative activists and a Supreme Court decision against affirmative action. Despite these changes, Walmart will continue to support events like Pride parades but with stricter funding guidelines. The decision follows discussions with conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who has been critical of corporate 'wokeness.'
Walmart is scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, ceasing to consider race and gender in supplier contracts and halting demographic data collection for financing eligibility. This move aligns with a trend among businesses facing pressure from conservative activists.
Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice spoke at a Heritage Foundation event, comparing the DOJ's actions against parents at school board meetings to its treatment of former President Trump, while the organization shifts focus away from school board endorsements after a decline in success. The group, known for challenging school mask mandates and book bans, has faced controversy and criticism, prompting a pivot in strategy. Critics argue that Moms for Liberty is not as grassroots as it claims and is aligned with larger right-wing forces, while supporters emphasize the importance of addressing concerns over FBI investigations into parents and the justice system.
Chaya Raichik, founder of "Libs of TikTok," criticized Southwest Airlines for allowing an overweight passenger to encroach on her seat during a flight, despite the airline's "customers of size" policy. She posted about the experience on social media, garnering attention and a response from the airline offering a $150 voucher, which she deemed insufficient. Raichik vowed to never fly Southwest again, citing her dissatisfaction with the airline's overall service.
North Carolina's public schools superintendent, Catherine Truitt, lost the Republican primary to conservative activist Michele Morrow, who criticized Truitt for not being conservative enough and accused public schools of indoctrinating students with left-leaning views. Morrow will face Democrat Maurice "Mo" Green in the general election. Additionally, six-term Democratic Sen. Mike Woodard lost his primary to a self-proclaimed progressive, and other legislators also faced primary defeats.
North Carolina's public schools superintendent, Catherine Truitt, lost the Republican primary to conservative activist Michele Morrow, who criticized Truitt for not being conservative enough and accused public schools of indoctrinating students with left-leaning views. Truitt's defeat reflects a broader trend of challengers questioning incumbents' commitment to social conservatism or a Democratic agenda. Additionally, six-term Democratic Sen. Mike Woodard lost his primary to a self-proclaimed progressive, while other legislators also faced primary defeats.
A bill in Georgia aims to sever all ties between public and school libraries in the state and the American Library Association, citing concerns of politicization and promoting "aberrant sexual behavior and socialist anti-American rhetoric." The push against the ALA has gained momentum in several states, with some local libraries opting out as well. Critics argue that the move would deprive libraries of crucial resources and professional development, while supporters believe it is necessary to combat what they see as a source of controversial books in children's sections.
Conservative activists successfully pressured Harvard University's president to resign, using tactics such as dog whistling, media pressure, and political leverage. This efficient strategy has dangerous implications for the future of education, as it emboldens conservative activists to attack diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, and could lead to the erosion of educational and racial justice advancements. The use of specific language and tactics mirrors historical strategies used to influence public opinion and demonize marginalized communities, and experts warn that the courts may be the only protection against further erosion of progress in education and racial justice.
Conservative activists advocating for parental rights in education faced setbacks in state and school board elections, indicating limits to the potency of these issues for Republicans leading into the 2024 presidential race. Progressive groups celebrated wins in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Iowa, Connecticut, and Virginia, with the American Federation of Teachers reporting that 80% of its preferred candidates were successful. The modest results for conservatives suggest that parents are seeking a return to normalcy, and Republicans may have fared better by focusing on expanding access to school choice. Democrats won new school board majorities in swing regions, such as the suburbs of Philadelphia, where debates over Republican policies restricting books and banning pride flags had been contentious. The unions and progressive groups also celebrated the new Democratic control of the Virginia state legislature, despite Republican governor Glenn Youngkin's support for parental rights. While there were scattered successes for the parental rights movement, the conservative push to restrict books and shape the history curriculum was criticized as a strategy to create fear and division.
Bernie Marcus, the 94-year-old co-founder of Home Depot, expressed his frustration and concern about the direction of the country in a recent interview. He criticized President Biden, calling him a "dunce" and blaming him for divisive policies, inflation, and rising federal debt. Marcus also expressed misgivings about former President Trump, acknowledging his positive impact on wages and employment but criticizing his inability to control his rhetoric. Despite his concerns, Marcus remains committed to fighting for conservative values and supporting politicians who align with his beliefs. He emphasized the importance of preserving America's economic freedom and expressed hope that the American public is turning against left-wing economic policies and corporate wokeness.