PepsiCo, a leading North American food and beverage conglomerate, is under fire for its decision to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Reverend Al Sharpton, a prominent civil rights leader, announced on Monday that he will meet with PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta this week to address the company’s controversial move. In a letter dated April 4, Sharpton warned of a potential boycott if PepsiCo fails to uphold its commitments to minority representation in managerial roles and supplier diversity. The company, which owns iconic brands like Gatorade, Lay’s, Doritos, and Mountain Dew, informed employees in February that it would no longer set specific goals for minority representation. Sharpton plans to press Laguarta on the rationale behind this decision and seek assurances regarding equal opportunities in employment and contracts. PepsiCo has yet to publicly comment on the matter. This development comes amid a broader trend of corporations, including Walmart and Target, rolling back DEI policies following President Donald Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year. Trump has also dismantled DEI programs within the federal government and threatened schools with funding cuts if they maintain such initiatives. In January, Sharpton led a “buy-cott” at Costco, encouraging consumers to support businesses committed to DEI policies. He emphasized the importance of economic pressure as a tool for social change, stating, ‘That is the only viable tool that I see at this time, which is why we’ve rewarded those that stood with us.’
分类： society
-
Community, mentors and skill-building: Experts weigh the role of employee resource groups
Jenny Jang, who moved to the United States from South Korea at the age of six, faced significant challenges navigating her educational and professional environments as a minority. Unable to seek guidance from her parents, Jang turned to mentorship from external sources. Now based in Atlanta and employed at an international elevator company, Jang spearheaded the establishment of business resource groups in North America. These groups, designed to foster diversity and inclusion, provide employees with a platform to connect and share experiences around shared identities or themes. The first group, focused on women employees, attracted 500 members within three years, offering discussions on balancing family and career in a male-dominated industry. Subsequent groups catered to veterans and military families, creating safe spaces for employees to share their experiences. Employee resource groups (ERGs), which originated in corporate America in the 1970s to address racial, gender, and sexual orientation tensions, have since expanded to include other affiliations such as caregiving, mental health, neurodiversity, and generational divides. Critics argue that ERGs may create divisions and provide unfair advantages, prompting some companies to revise their purpose and scope. The future of ERGs faces additional uncertainty due to executive orders aimed at curtailing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Legal guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission emphasizes that ERGs must be open to all employees to avoid unlawful segregation. Proponents highlight the benefits of ERGs, including community building, leadership development, and enhanced employee engagement. Experts recommend starting ERGs by identifying a shared experience, securing senior leadership sponsorship, and demonstrating the group’s impact on employee retention and organizational goals. Despite challenges, ERGs remain vital for underrepresented communities, offering support, connectivity, and advocacy.
-
Pope urges church in Papua New Guinea to be close to women after hearing of sorcery ‘superstitions’
During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis emphasized the need for the Catholic Church to support women who have faced abuse and marginalization, particularly in a country where violence against women is alarmingly prevalent. Speaking at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on September 7, 2024, the Pope highlighted the struggles of women accused of witchcraft and sorcery, who are often ostracized by their families and communities. He urged the Church to show ‘closeness, compassion, and tenderness’ to these marginalized individuals.
-
Expo City Dubai News
In a heartwarming moment at Expo 2020 Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paused to engage with a group of enthusiastic school children. As Sheikh Mohammed approached, the children burst into cheers and eagerly waved at him, their excitement palpable. Seizing the opportunity, he graciously stopped for a quick photo with the young admirers, creating a memorable experience for them. This spontaneous interaction highlighted Sheikh Mohammed’s approachable demeanor and his commitment to fostering connections with the younger generation. The incident, captured on video, quickly garnered attention, showcasing the warmth and accessibility of the UAE’s leadership during the global event.
-
Tight bight, small city: Virus sidelines ship, creates buzz
The small coastal town of Eastport, Maine, with a population of just 1,300, has become the temporary home to the Oceania Riviera, a massive cruise ship that towers over the community. The ship’s arrival highlights the challenges cruise companies face in finding docking locations during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has halted global cruise operations since mid-March. Chris Gardner, director of the Port of Eastport, likened the situation to a game of musical chairs, questioning where these ships can go when the music stops. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has banned cruises in U.S. waters until July 24, leaving thousands of crew members stranded at sea. While some Eastport residents initially feared the ship’s crew might introduce the virus to the area, these concerns were alleviated as crew members are not permitted to disembark. The Oceania Riviera, nearly 800 feet long and accompanied by a crew of 131, is being kept in a “warm layup” state, meaning it remains operational but without passengers. Eastport’s maritime facility, rebuilt in 2017 after its Breakwater Pier collapsed, is uniquely suited to host such a large vessel. The town, once known as the nation’s sardine capital, is now embracing the ship’s presence. Local businesses, including a waterfront restaurant that sold out of fish due to increased visitors, are benefiting from the unexpected influx of attention. Kevin Raye, president of the local chamber of commerce, described the ship as “magnificent” and a potential lifeline for struggling small businesses. While some residents are less enthusiastic, many local leaders hope this visit will pave the way for future cruise ship tourism, generating goodwill and revenue for the town.