Free Republic

The latest brand to face calls for a boycott after announcing their new "inclusive artists project." Consumer power has been demonstrated in many forms recently as the likes of Bud Light and Target have faced customer boycotts, seemingly resulting in massive losses of earnings. Bounty is facing the ire of many social media users after its "decision to exclude white artists" from a new art campaign. Newsweek contacted Bounty representatives and they replied that over the years, the brand has partnered with artists representing a variety of backgrounds. Earlier this year, Bounty launched a new campaign, Bounty Prints, to "use...

M&M’s, a Mars, Incorporated product, published a press release announcing a rebrand centered on the brand’s commitment to inclusion and global belonging. As another brand taking steps to increase societal impact (e.g., the effort includes creation of the M&M’S FUNd to track the brand’s impact on its mission, which will offer resources, mentorship, opportunities and financial support in the arts and entertainment space to help ensure people have access to experiences where everyone feels they belong), perhaps it is time to pause and reflect on the need for brands to make such a shift and then promote it. When the...

M&M’s has added a new “spokescandy” to their cartoon character lineup, designed to “represent acceptance and inclusivity.” The character is the first new addition to the lineup in a decade. “Designed to represent acceptance and inclusivity, our newest member is known for her earnest self-expression,” the brand said in a statement. “Keen self-awareness, authenticity and confidence are the driving forces behind Purple’s charm and quirky nature. She joins the legendary cast of M&M’S characters, who recently were given a refresh with updated looks and more nuanced personalities back in January.” In January, the brand gave the Green candy a makeover...

Abrams and Eric Cohen wrote in the Wall Street Journal: 'We were working closely with the museum on the details for the June 12 event, until, out of the blue, we were told by the museum staff that Mr. DeSantis didn't 'align with the museum's values and its message of inclusivity.' They added: 'Either we disinvite the governor, they said, or our event was unwelcome.' But the museum were quick to dispute the claims, posting a scathing thread about the discussions on Twitter. They said: 'Let us be clear: No one was banned or cancelled. No contract with the Tikvah...

When Australian rugby star Israel Folau’s team contract was terminated after he voiced the principles of his Christian faith, he turned to GoFundMe Australia to crowdsource funds for his legal action against Rugby Australia. Three days later, the popular fundraising platform took down his page with plans to refund all donors. “As a company, we are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity,” GoFundMe Australia manager Nicola Britton said, according to The Guardian. After his fundraising page was shut down, a “non-party partisan, non-denominational” group called Australian Christian Lobby reached out...

[Catholic Caucus] De Mattei: Pope Francis, the philosopher of inclusion Roberto de Mattei Corrispondenza Romana June 4, 2019 On June 2, in Italy, the traditional military parade celebrating the birth of the Republic, took place under the sign of “inclusion”. “The theme of inclusivity, which has characterized this event, represents well the values engraved in our Constitutional Charter, which stipulates that no citizen may feel they are abandoned, rather, that the full exercise of their rights be guaranteed,” declared the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. The same day in Blaj, Romania, Pope Francis offered a “mea culpa”, in...

Disabled, Native American, Latinx and/or LGBTQIA and looking for a job? Check out the 14 diverse groups that have studios and agencies calling for hires: "Showrunners have reached out asking to see our lists." Five months ago, THR ran a story about Black Women Who Brunch (BWB), a group created by writer-producers Lena Waithe (The Chi), Erika L. Johnson (Queen Sugar) and Nkechi Okoro Carroll (Bones) to help advance their underrepresented peers. "It's been unbelievable," says Carroll of the article's ripple effects. "I'm hearing from people that 'BWB inspired me.' I've had producers and presidents of networks reach out, 'Do...

Columbia University students recently voted against a proposal that would make all restrooms on a dorm-floor “gender inclusive.” Students living in at least five of the elite school’s residence halls voted floor-by-floor to determine whether their male- and female-designed restrooms would be made “gender inclusive,” a practice made possible under a new Columbia University Residence Life Policy.

Some small business owners already working to make their companies more welcoming to LGBT employees say the massacre at a gay dance club in Orlando gives them an impetus to make more changes. “I’ve committed to myself and within our executive team to redouble our efforts to create a safer, kinder, more accepting workplace,” says Frank Maylett, CEO of RizePoint, a company that makes software to help restaurant owners, hotel operators and retailers manage multiple locations. RizePoint had already taken steps like providing health and other benefits to employees’ domestic partners and removing gender references in its handbook so that...

Target Corp. made it clear that transgender people in its stores are welcome to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. The statement Tuesday by the Minneapolis-based retailer comes amid debates in many state legislatures over restricting public restroom use to the sex listed on a person’s birth certificate. While many of those conversations have centered around restrooms in public schools and government buildings, Target appears to be one of the first big-box retailers to take a proactive stance in declaring its position on the matter when it comes to its own restrooms. While they may not be...