How woke is Lease Crutcher Lewis?

Introduction

Lease Crutcher Lewis is positioning themselves as a champion of progressive causes in the construction world. From their deep dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to their active support of LGBTQ+ initiatives, this company is embracing the woke agenda. But as we peel back the layers, it’s worth asking: Are they prioritizing social justice over traditional values and merit?

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

Lease Crutcher Lewis has been actively supporting LGBTQ+ causes, with their sponsorship of Portland Pride standing out as a prime example. As they put it, “Lease Crutcher Lewis is a proud sponsor of Portland Pride, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in our communities.” 

This is more than just a one-off donation; it’s a clear signal of where the company’s values lie. But while their commitment to social causes might resonate with some, it also raises the question of whether they’re more focused on activism than on delivering their core business services.

Prioritization of DEI Policies

Lease Crutcher Lewis doesn’t just talk the DEI talk—they’re walking it, too. They’ve got DEI committees and affinity groups that, on paper, sound impressive. As per DEI webpage, “At Lease Crutcher Lewis, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords—they are fundamental principles that guide our work environment and community interactions.” They also believe that “fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential to our success and the well-being of our employees.” 

However, when identity becomes the driving force behind hiring and promotions, it can edge out more traditional criteria like merit and qualifications. That’s a potential downside worth considering, especially for those who believe that hard work and skill should be the primary factors in career advancement.

Mandatory Training Sessions

Interestingly, despite their clear commitment to DEI, there’s no solid evidence that Lease Crutcher Lewis enforces mandatory DEI training sessions. This could suggest that they prefer a more hands-off approach, allowing employees to engage with DEI initiatives on their own terms. 

It’s a bit of a mixed message, though—on one hand, they’re pushing DEI, but on the other, they’re not requiring everyone to get on board through formal training. The presence of DEI committees and affinity groups still indicates that these topics are a big part of the company culture, even if the training isn’t.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

Lease Crutcher Lewis’s support for the LGBTQ+ community goes beyond just cutting a check. They’re active participants in events like Portland Pride and make no secret of their commitment. They proudly state, “Our participation in LGBTQ+ events like Portland Pride underscores our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.” And if that wasn’t clear enough, their internal communications reinforce this stance, noting that, “Celebrating Pride is more than just a one-month event for us; it is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Marketing and Branding

If there’s one thing Lease Crutcher Lewis knows how to do, it’s integrating their social justice commitments into their brand identity. Their marketing isn’t just about the buildings they construct—it’s about the values they uphold. They assert, “Our community outreach efforts are integral to our mission, and we actively engage in initiatives that promote equity and inclusion across all facets of society.” 

Furthermore, they position themselves as industry leaders by stating, *”The diversity and equity initiatives we spotlight in our marketing are not just about compliance—they are about leading by example and setting a standard for the industry.” 

Conclusion

Lease Crutcher Lewis is undoubtedly a trailblazer in marrying business with social activism. They have openly expressed their support for DEI and LGBTQ+ issues. These quotes help to substantiate the claims made in the review and provide authoritative backing directly from Lease Crutcher Lewis’s published materials and sponsorship acknowledgments. Finally, whether you see Lease Crutcher Lewis as a beacon of progress or a company that’s lost sight of its core mission depends on where you stand on these issues.