PepsiCo has agreed to meet with civil rights leaders from the National Action Network this week following concerns over the company’s recent rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to the Reverend Al Sharpton, the Associated Press reports.
The meeting comes after Sharpton sent a letter to PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta on April 4, warning of a potential boycott. Sharpton said he plans to press Laguarta on the company’s decision to eliminate DEI-related benchmarks, such as minority representation in managerial roles and supplier partnerships.
PepsiCo, whose well-known brands include Gatorade, Doritos, Lay’s, and Pepsi, informed employees in February that it would no longer set internal targets for diversity. The change mirrors similar moves by other major corporations, including Walmart and Target, following the return of President Donald Trump to the White House and a shift in federal policy regarding DEI programs.
A spokesperson for PepsiCo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sharpton emphasized that he wants clarity on what commitments PepsiCo maintains regarding equal opportunity in both employment and contracting.
“That is the only viable tool that I see at this time,” Sharpton said.
Earlier this year, Sharpton launched a “buy-cott” encouraging consumers to support Costco for continuing its DEI efforts, contrasting with other retailers scaling them back.
The latest news in your social feeds
Subscribe to our social media platforms to stay tuned