How woke is John Deere?

When Leslee Hager, vice president of internal audit, talks about DEI at John Deere, she often references "square zero." It's a phrase, or marker, that describes the starting point in an employee's personal journey toward educating themselves in understanding the differences inherent in all people, including race, ethnicity, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender, etc.

"Businesses should be about fostering inclusive environments where all employees can thrive, regardless of their background, gender, race, or sexual orientation."

"John Deere was mentioned in the context of rolling back their inclusivity initiatives in response to a cultural backlash. The company, along with others like Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, and Ford, has faced pressure from anti-DEI activists, which influenced their decision to step back from diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts."

"A top affirmative action lawyer said that some companies are caving to DEI criticism because ‘they’re wimps’."

"Tractor Supply announced in June it was changing its DEI positioning. For instance, it will refocus its team member engagement groups, eliminate DEI positions and goals, stop sponsoring nonbusiness activities such as voting campaigns and gay pride festivals, and withdraw its carbon emission goals."

"The CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum says we’re ‘asking the wrong questions’ when it comes to DEI."

"Employers of note that have scaled back their DEI initiatives include the likes of Ford, Molson Coors, Harley Davidson, rural retailer Tractor Supply, Brown-Forman (maker of Jack Daniel’s), heavy equipment manufacturer John Deere and home improvement retailer, Lowes."