Conservative activist Robby Starbuck is ramping up his crusade against "wokeism" in corporate America, with his latest target being Toyota. Starbuck, known for challenging corporate policies that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), claims the automaker is promoting a far-left agenda that alienates its core customers. His campaign against Toyota is part of a broader effort to push back against what he describes as progressive overreach in major corporations across the country.
In a recent video, Starbuck revealed that Toyota’s involvement in LGBTQ+ advocacy was deeper than expected. According to Starbuck, the company sponsors events like drag queen programs for children, supports legal efforts for gender transitions in minors, and donates to organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and The Trevor Project, which are active in promoting LGBTQ+ rights. Starbuck argues that Toyota’s support for these causes, including their advocacy for "The Equality Act," reflects a commitment to far-left activism rather than focusing on their business of making cars.
Toyota distanced itself from some of its LGBTQ initiatives and said it doesn’t have a quota system to boost supplier diversity, after a social media attack from an anti-DEI activist https://t.co/n00mgSkow3
— Bloomberg Equality (@BBGEquality) September 26, 2024
One of the key points in Starbuck's criticism is Toyota's long-standing partnership with the HRC, earning a perfect score on their Corporate Equality Index for 16 years. This index measures a company's commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity, but Starbuck views it as part of the broader corporate trend of pushing DEI programs that prioritize divisive social issues. He believes these initiatives are out of touch with the values of many Toyota customers, especially conservative families.
Starbuck’s campaign against Toyota is only the latest in his ongoing fight against woke corporate policies. He has already taken on other major companies, including Harley-Davidson, Jack Daniel’s, and Lowe’s, pressuring them to scale back DEI-related activities.
#Toyota #DEI #woke https://t.co/R1XwXt9r30
— Dogged Defender of FREEDOM (@GregRoberge7) September 27, 2024
His movement has gained significant traction among conservatives who feel that corporations are imposing progressive values on their customers.
Citing his previous successes, Starbuck emphasizes the power of consumer-driven backlash. "Companies are starting to realize the whole DEI thing has been a house of cards," Starbuck remarked, suggesting that many corporations would prefer to avoid the controversy that comes with adopting such policies. Caterpillar, another company targeted by Starbuck, recently made headlines by reversing some of its DEI initiatives following pressure from his movement.
Toyota, however, has not publicly responded to Starbuck's accusations. While some conservatives are applauding Starbuck’s efforts, others argue that businesses should be free to support inclusivity initiatives if they believe it aligns with their corporate values. For Starbuck, the issue isn’t just about Toyota’s policies; it’s about the broader trend of corporations moving away from what he views as traditional American values.
As the culture war intensifies, companies like Toyota find themselves caught between competing pressures from progressive activists and conservative movements like Starbuck’s. Starbuck is clear about his goals: he wants businesses to remain neutral on divisive social and political issues, and he is prepared to use consumer activism to achieve that end.
