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🗞️ Driving the news: Ford Motor Co. has announced changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies amid pressure from conservative groups
• The automaker will no longer participate in external culture surveys, including the Human Rights Campaign's annual LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion survey

🔭 The context: This decision comes as part of a broader trend where companies are reevaluating their DEI initiatives following conservative backlash and the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions
• Ford CEO Jim Farley emphasized the company's commitment to focusing on its customers, employees, and communities rather than engaging in polarizing social issues

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Shifts away from DEI policies could impact corporate efforts to create inclusive workplaces and address social inequalities
• Such changes may affect company culture, employee morale, and broader societal movements towards equity and inclusion

⏭️ What's next: As political and social pressures continue to shape corporate policies, Ford and other companies may further adjust their approach to DEI
• This trend is likely to influence ongoing debates over the role of businesses in social issues and could lead to legal and reputational challenges

💬 One quote: “We will continue to put our effort and resources into taking care of our customers, our team, and our communities versus publicly commenting on the many polarizing issues of the day,” stated Ford CEO Jim Farley in his memo

📈 One stat: Around 23% of U.S. companies experienced significant public criticism related to their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reflecting growing polarization and scrutiny of corporate DEI programs, PwC 2023 reports reveals

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