Chick-fil-A receives backlash for diversity efforts.

Chick-fil-A is facing backlash from conservatives after it was discovered that the fast-food chain has a vice president of “diversity, equity, [and] inclusion,” or DEI. Some conservatives are now calling for a boycott of the popular restaurant chain.

“Chick-fil-A restaurants have long been recognized as a place where people know they will be treated well. Modeling care for others starts in the restaurant, and we are committed to ensuring mutual respect, understanding, and dignity everywhere we do business.”

DEI is a set of principles that large corporations, government agencies, and schools have increasingly incorporated into their work environments, often mandating employees receive such training. However, these principles are rooted in Marxism, according to prominent critics including Christopher Rufo and James Lindsay, that are essentially vehicles for “left-wing racialist ideology and partisan political activism.”

Conservatives Call for Action

The Chick-fil-A announcement was highlighted this week by several prominent conservative accounts. Joey Mannarino, a conservative host, wrote on Twitter: “Chick-Fil-A just hired a VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This is bad. Very bad. I don’t want to have to boycott. Are we going to have to boycott?”

Columnist Todd Starnes added: “Well, that explains the fried cauliflower sandwiches and kale salad.”

James Lindsay agreed with the boycott calls and made demands. “We must demand that Chick-fil-A fire their entire ESG and Sustainability staff and partners (including DEI), referring to the left-wing environmental, social, and governance framework.

The chicken-based fast-food chain has been generally well respected among conservatives due to the company’s religious values and its prior support for religious groups. However, the recent announcement has caused a stir among conservative circles.

Backlash Growing Against Left-Wing Values

In recent weeks, a number of companies have faced backlash for embracing what critics say are left-wing values or a pro-LGBT agenda. Since early April, Bud Light has seen a significant backlash after it produced a beer can with transgender activist and influencer Dylan Mulvaney’s face and as Mulvaney suggested a partnership with the brand.