Leaders at PepsiCo met on Tuesday with civil rights advocates from the National Action Network to discuss the company’s recent decision to roll back some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, according to the Rev. Al Sharpton.

“This morning, I and several members of NAN met with PepsiCo Chairman Ramon Laguarta and CEO of PepsiCo North America Steven Williams for more than an hour to discuss our grievances over reports they were rolling back nearly $500 million in DEI commitments,” Sharpton stated in a press release. It was a constructive conversation, which PepsiCo agreed to hold within the 21 days we gave them to meet. We agreed to follow up meetings within the next few days.”

 Rev. Sharpton
 

In an April 4 letter to PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta, Sharpton threatened to lead a boycott against the company. PepsiCo — one of the largest food and beverage companies in North America whose brands include Gatorade, Lay’s potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi — told employees in February that the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base.

Sharpton said following continued discussions, he and National Action Network Chairman Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson — both former members of PepsiCo’s AfricanAmerican Advisory Board — will make a final decision and recommendation to the organization regarding future actions toward the company. 

“As we continue to deal with a broader swath of corporations with whom we will either boycott or buy-cott.” Sharpton stated.

A spokesperson for PepsiCo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

PepsiCo is one of several companies, including Walmart and Target, that have eliminated policies and programs aimed at increasing diversity among its employees and reducing discrimination against members 

of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people since President Trump returned to the White House earlier this year. Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to do the same or risk losing federal money.

In January, Sharpton led a “buy-cott” at Costco, encouraging Americans to vote with their dollars and shop at the retail giant for its commitment to DEI policies, even as many of its competitors phased them out.

“That is the only viable tool that I see at this time, which is why we’ve rewarded those that stood with us,” Sharpton told The Associated Press.

The Free Press staff contributed to this report.