Anti-Trump protestors rally against Cracker Barrel due to their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
In a recent development, America First Legal (AFL), a conservative nonprofit organisation founded by Trump aide Stephen Miller, has launched an investigation into Cracker Barrel's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. This marks the first public attack on a restaurant company's DEI policies under the second Trump administration.
AFL's investigation stems from allegations that Cracker Barrel has made unlawful commitments to diversity and inclusion by promoting a diverse workforce and providing employment benefits to certain races and sexes. These practices, according to AFL, violate civil rights laws by treating people differently based on their race or sex.
The investigation comes amidst a broader campaign by AFL against DEI programs in the restaurant sector. AFL has also filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against Texas Roadhouse, alleging that some of Texas Roadhouse's policies discriminate against white men through programs targeting women and African Americans.
Cracker Barrel, known for its old-timey decor, comfort food, and gift shops, had not responded to a request for comment as of publication time. The investigation into Cracker Barrel's DEI policies is ongoing.
Meanwhile, other companies have faced pressure to roll back their DEI policies. McDonald's, for instance, has made significant changes in this regard. After doing an internal civil rights audit and in the wake of a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that banned affirmative action programs at colleges and universities, McDonald's has stopped setting goals for representation in hiring and will no longer require suppliers to sign DEI commitments. The burger giant has also changed the name of its diversity team to the global inclusion team.
The moves by Trump's administration have led to pressure on private companies to reconsider their DEI policies, often from conservative groups like AFL. Other companies, such as Meta, Walmart, Disney, and Target, have scaled back their DEI goals and programs as a result.
Interestingly, Cracker Barrel's CEO, Julie Felss Masino, is one of the few female chief executives in the restaurant industry. Despite this, AFL's senior counsel, Nicholas Barry, stated that if Cracker Barrel is discriminating against its employees and trying to hide it, it is failing to live up to its own brand and internal standards.
AFL also called out Cracker Barrel's internal resource groups for Black, Hispanic and Latino, LGBTQ+, and female employees aimed at supporting their career development. Barry emphasised that if these groups are being used to discriminate against other employees, they are failing in their purpose.
The second Trump administration has worked to dismantle DEI initiatives in both the public and private sectors, arguing that DEI programs are discriminatory. Trump's administration has taken aggressive action against DEI, both in and outside of the government. Barry, however, stressed the importance of vigorously enforcing civil rights laws and ensuring any such discrimination is rooted out and destroyed.
As the investigation into Cracker Barrel's DEI policies continues, it remains to be seen how the restaurant chain will respond to these allegations and what impact this may have on the broader DEI landscape in the restaurant industry.
- The investigation by America First Legal (AFL) into Cracker Barrel's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies marks a significant point in the politics of the restaurant industry, as conservative groups like AFL are increasing pressure on private companies to reconsider their DEI policies.
- The ongoing investigation into Cracker Barrel's DEI policies and the allegations of unlawful commitments to diversity and inclusion, as well as the potential consequences for the broader restaurant industry, fall under the purview of general-news reporting.
