How woke is Pfizer?

Introduction

Pfizer, a powerhouse in the pharmaceutical world, is celebrated for its groundbreaking medical advancements, especially its role in developing the COVID-19 vaccine. However, when it comes to social and political stances, Pfizer’s alignment with progressive causes has stirred significant debate. Let’s look into how Pfizer stacks up against the woke agenda.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

Pfizer doesn’t just dabble in progressive causes; it’s all in. One significant example is its funding of an LGBT index that scores hospitals on their promotion of gender ideology, as highlighted by The Daily Signal. According to the article, “PhRMA and Pfizer’s financial backing of the LGBT index is criticized for promoting gender ideology in healthcare institutions”​​. This raises some eyebrows about the pharmaceutical giant’s influence on healthcare policies.

Prioritization of DEI Policies

When it comes to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Pfizer goes above and beyond. Their official stance is that diversity enhances creativity and decision-making. Pfizer has consistently scored high on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, showcasing its dedication to DEI initiatives​​. But here’s the kicker: are these policies prioritizing identity over merit? That’s the question on many minds.

Mandatory Training Sessions

Pfizer requires managers to undergo a Conscious Inclusion Workshop to mitigate the potential for biases that could affect workplace dynamics. Failure to complete Pfizer’s mandatory training, even after reminders and manager notifications, will trigger disciplinary action against the employee, according to the Report On Its Efforts To Promote Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Free Speech Policies

Pfizer has strict policies on its employees’ social media use, involving harsh penalties for violations. “Personal posts on external social media that include more than a neutral, passing reference to Pfizer products are prohibited,” the Pfizer Policies on Business Conduct reads. Further, employees must disclaim personal posts mentioning company interests, clarifying their Pfizer connection and that views expressed are their own, according to the same source.

This policy could significantly inhibit employees’ free expression online. Fearing potential violations and harsh penalties, employees might become overly cautious in their social media activity.

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

Pfizer has established itself as a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, earning recognition from the Human Rights Campaign as one of the best workplaces for LGBTQ equality for 16 consecutive years. This commitment is evident in their comprehensive approach to inclusion. The company’s LGBTQ+ initiative, OPEN (Out Pfizer Employee Network), has grown to over 45 chapters across 25+ countries on five continents, promoting support and community-building. Pfizer’s policies include offering same-sex partner benefits, transgender healthcare coverage, and explicit protection of sexual orientation and gender identity in its equal opportunity policy.

The company also encourages LGBTQ+ self-identification for diversity tracking, hosts educational events like the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit, and adapts policies globally, as exemplified by Pfizer Japan’s 2021 same-sex partner recognition. Pfizer’s commitment extends to visible celebrations, such as Pride Month activities including a Pride Journal and themed corporate events. As Emily Krassen, Senior Manager of Digital Video Strategy & Content at Pfizer, aptly puts it: “The best way to communicate our diversity at Pfizer is to live it and show it.”

Marketing and Branding

Pfizer’s marketing strategies often exploit social justice issues and public health concerns as marketing ploys to boost its corporate image and sales. Take NFL player Travis Kelce’s advertisements for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, which faced significant backlash from right-wing circles. Forbes reported: “Kelce’s participation in the ad drew quick scrutiny from right-wing social media users and vaccine skeptics—and although he turned the comments off on his post of the ad, angry users flooded his other posts with upset comments.”

Also as part of its marketing and branding initiatives, Pfizer highlights various environmental and social responsibility efforts. The company promotes its focus on climate impact mitigation, resource conservation, and waste reduction in operations, backed by its Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Policy. These efforts, prominently featured in Pfizer’s communications, appear designed primarily to cast the pharmaceutical giant in a positive light, potentially distracting from broader concerns about corporate practices.

Stances on Traditional Family Structures

Pfizer’s support for the Equality Act and similar initiatives suggest a progressive stance that challenges traditional norms related to family and gender. Pfizer reaffirms its dedication through various initiatives, including “supporting the Equality Act and consistently scoring high on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index”​​. This stance has not gone unnoticed and adds to the broader cultural debate on these issues.

Criticism of Conservative Values

Pfizer’s progressive alignments have drawn significant criticism from conservative groups. The company’s support for gender ideology in healthcare, as exemplified by its funding of the LGBT index, is seen as a direct affront to conservative values. The Daily Signal reports: “Both Pfizer and PhRMA funded the Human Rights Campaign’s “Healthcare Equality Index,” a tool that the faExplore McDonald’s progressive policies and initiatives in our detailed review. Learn about their contributions to social justice, support for LGBTQ+ rights, DEI policies, and more. Read now for an in-depth analysis.
r-left organization is using to push gender ideology into medical institutions across the nation.” This is a clear indication of where Pfizer stands in the cultural and political spectrum.

Conclusion

Pfizer’s robust commitment to progressive causes is clear from its financial contributions, DEI policies, and support for LGBTQ+ initiatives. While these efforts have garnered praise from some, they have also sparked backlash from conservative circles. For those keen on aligning their purchases with traditional values, it’s essential to recognize Pfizer’s strong engagement in woke policies.