How woke is Lockheed Martin?

Lockheed Martin, a giant in the aerospace, defense, and security industries, has become a key player in the ongoing debate about corporate wokeness. This review dives deep into Lockheed Martin’s involvement in progressive causes, DEI policies, mandatory training programs, and more to assess just how woke they truly are.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

Lockheed Martin has a history of political contributions that align with progressive causes. They’ve shelled out over $250,000 to politicians during key discussions on Ukraine-related bills. According to Truthout, Lockheed Martin contributed over $250,000 to various politicians during the period when lawmakers were actively deliberating on bills related to Ukraine. This kind of financial activity raises eyebrows, especially considering the influence defense contractors can have on policy decisions.

Further, Lockheed Martin’s political action committee (LMEPAC) faced fines from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for financial misconduct, specifically “for failing to accurately report its contributions and expenditures,” according to Wiley Law. This kind of financial entanglement is worth noting when assessing their corporate integrity.

Prioritization of DEI Policies

When it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Lockheed Martin is all in. The company has several Business Resource Groups (BRGs) that work to make the workplace more inclusive. Their Inclusion Councils, described as “committed to creating an inclusive work environment where diversity and inclusion are understood, valued and leveraged, and where individuals and teams are able to maximize their potential,” are a big part of this effort.

CEO James D. Taiclet underscores this commitment, stating that “striving to maintain a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment is not only the right thing to do – it’s also a business imperative.”

Mandatory Training Sessions

Lockheed Martin has faced its fair share of criticism for mandatory diversity training. In an interview on Fox News, Manhattan Institute senior fellow Chris Rufo said the training had executives examine “white male culture” and privilege.

Rufo described exercises he found problematic, including comparisons made between white males and extremist groups. He criticized the training’s content and called for a congressional inquiry, questioning the use of taxpayer money for such programs aimed at defense contractors.

Free Speech Policies

Lockheed Martin doesn’t have a dedicated free speech policy, but its framework of ethics, conduct, and non-discrimination policies shapes how employees can express themselves. For instance, they restrict speech that can be seen as harassing or discriminatory.

Moreover, its comprehensive Code of Ethics and Business Conduct outlines expectations for employee behavior. While it doesn’t explicitly address free speech, it sets clear guidelines for ethical conduct and communication. Essentially, employees are encouraged to act with integrity and respect, but they need to be mindful that their speech and actions align with the company’s values and standards.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

Lockheed Martin shows robust support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, consistently scoring high on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. According to their website, “Lockheed Martin has long supported LGBTQ+ inclusion through affinity groups, business resource groups, leadership forums and community initiatives.”

Their PRIDE Business Resource Group celebrates this commitment, and Lockheed Martin participates in various events like Orlando’s Come Out With Pride. A Facebook post from Come Out With Pride 2018 highlights, “Lockheed Martin is recognized for its support of LGBTQ+ employees, including its Pride group’s involvement in co-founding the T-Network, a Transgender Professional Resource Group.”

Marketing and Branding

Lockheed Martin’s marketing and branding efforts prominently feature support for social justice and climate change activism. They’ve been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality, showcasing this across their social media platforms. Their LinkedIn announcement reads: “Lockheed Martin has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign.” Their branding emphasizes inclusivity and progressive values.

Stances on Traditional Family Structures

Lockheed Martin has taken steps that some argue critique traditional family structures and gender roles. Their decision to stop donations to the Boy Scouts of America over the organization’s policy on LGBTQ+ leaders highlights their commitment to diversity over traditional values.

According to BuzzFeed, “Lockheed Martin is cutting donations to the Boy Scouts of America in protest of its policy banning out gay and lesbian scout leaders.” Further, they stated in the same report that the Boy Scouts’ “policies that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and religious affiliation conflict with Lockheed Martin policies.”

Criticism of Conservative Values

While Lockheed Martin hasn’t explicitly criticized conservative values, their alignment with progressive causes and policies often contrasts with more traditional viewpoints. Their DEI initiatives and support for LGBTQ+ rights may implicitly critique conservative stances on these issues.

Conclusion

Lockheed Martin’s deep engagement in DEI policies, mandatory training on bias, and strong support for LGBTQ+ rights illustrate a significant alignment with woke ideologies. Their financial contributions to political causes, marketing strategies, and stance on traditional family structures further underscore their commitment to progressive values. This comprehensive review highlights Lockheed Martin as a leading example of a woke corporation, prioritizing diversity and inclusion in its policies and practices.