WASHINGTON—The Heritage Foundation has launched a new initiative to stand up against corporations targeting individuals based on political or religious beliefs. Leading the charge in values-aligned investing, Heritage continues leveraging its influence to drive meaningful change and restore fairness and accountability in corporate practices. The reality is clear: mainstream investment firms and products are often undermining conservative principles and shaping culture in ways that conflict with American values. In response, Heritage has filed shareholder resolutions with major companies like IBM, Citi, CVS, and Airbnb, pushing back against these discriminatory practices.
Heritage is calling for greater transparency at IBM, particularly around the company’s use of DEI initiatives in recruitment. At Citi, the organization is requesting a report on the bank’s financial surveillance of conservatives, a practice reportedly encouraged by the Biden-era FBI. Additionally, Heritage is urging Airbnb to resist activist calls for divestment from vendors in regions like Israel and is scrutinizing CVS’s role in dispensing the abortion drug mifepristone. These efforts represent a proactive stance in protecting American values from corporate overreach.
John Backiel, vice president of finance and accounting at The Heritage Foundation, commented on the expansion:
“Americans have woken up to the reality that their pensions, savings, and investments are being used to push corporate agendas that don’t align with their values. A growing number of forward-thinking companies have already rolled back their DEI policies, and the sooner the rest follow suit, the better.
“Those who continue to embrace these divisive and discriminatory practices will ultimately face economic consequences. It’s time to re-center on fiduciary responsibility, accountability, and the principles that made this country strong.”
Andrew Olivastro, chief advancement officer at The Heritage Foundation, added:
“Corporations, banks, and asset managers have abandoned neutrality and common sense, diving into activist politics and betraying those they are obligated to serve. Heritage is leading this effort to restore accountability and merit as the foundation of our institutions. A national reckoning is coming as 10 million active and retired firefighters, law enforcement officers, and educators realize their retirement dollars were hijacked by virtue-signaling middle managers and unserious CEOs chasing clout over duty.”
Background:
This campaign by The Heritage Foundation highlights the risks corporations face when ideology overtakes accountability. By calling for transparency, fairness, and neutrality, The Heritage Foundation is rallying Americans to demand that businesses prioritize merit and ethics over divisive agendas. This years-long commitment began with convening and developing robust coalitions, working with our sister organization Heritage Action for America on model legislation, awarding targeted grants to spark innovation, and now aligning and leveraging Heritage’s investment portfolio.
