By RAY ALDER
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One of the more interesting phenomena of recent years has been the rise of corporate consciousness or “woke capitalism.”
Under this phenomenon, some of the largest and most recognizable corporations in America (particularly in the tech and financial service industries) have begun engaging in overt cultural messaging and political posturing on the day’s most controversial cultural issues.
One need only look to Florida and the battle between Disney and the Florida Legislature to discover just how politicized Corporate America has become. Unfortunately, in going “woke,” corporations are in danger of discarding the freedom of expression and the freedom of religion of their employees, shareholders, and customers.
Undoubtedly, Corporate America is an indispensable part of modern society and, through the application of free-market doctrines, has provided the framework for an unparalleled rise in the standard of living throughout the United States. Yet, it is troubling to see many businesses propagating ideologies. More troubling is the increased hostility corporations are directing at employees, shareholders, and customers who do not share “their” views.
The problem is we are losing the ability to appropriately debate and share ideas, freedoms that are foundational to America. If you aren’t woke, you’re canceled.
Given that private corporations are not constrained by the Constitution (that is, the Constitution provides protections against government action), what can be done to deescalate the increasingly divisive environment in Corporate America?
One idea is to be an informed consumer. Know which companies are promoting certain ideologies. To start, check out the Viewpoint Diversity Score, a new project of Alliance Defending Freedom, one of the nation’s leaders in protecting freedoms of speech and religion for all Americans. According to its website, Viewpoint Diversity Score “seek[s] to encourage businesses to respect customers and external stakeholders who hold diverse viewpoints, promote freedom of thought in their workforces, and support a public culture of trust and tolerance in their giving and political activities.”
Viewpoint Diversity Score’s primary content is its Business Index, which evaluates “corporate policies, practices, and activities to determine whether companies respect their stakeholders’ freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief as a standard part of doing business.” In addition to its Business Index, Viewpoint Diversity Score provides resources for ensuring that one’s business promotes freedom of expression and a true respect for diverse viewpoints and beliefs, including training courses and model workplace policies.
The protection of freedom of expression is essential to the well-being of the United States. Therefore, it is vitally important for Corporate America to promote workplace environments that respect these fundamental rights.
Educational material and not legal advice, written by the team at Adler attorneys. Email andrea@noblesvilleattorney.com with questions or comments.
Alliance Defending Freedom ;
Founded by some 30 leaders of the Christian Right, the Alliance Defending Freedom is a legal advocacy and training group that has supported the recriminalization of sexual acts between consenting LGBTQ adults in the U.S. and criminalization abroad; has defended state-sanctioned sterilization of trans people abroad; has contended that LGBTQ people are more likely to engage in pedophilia; and claims that a “homosexual agenda” will destroy Christianity and society. ADF also works to develop “religious liberty” legislation and case law that will allow the denial of goods and services to LGBTQ people on the basis of religion.
Good Lord Ray … say hello to the Cleavers & the John Birch Society at the next, uh .. ‘meeting’
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