REI Co-op
Corprate Bias Ratings
Risk Level:
Summary:
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) canceled business relationships with Vista Outdoors due to Vista's connections with the firearms industry. REI discriminates against faith-based charities in its giving while providing travel benefits for abortion. REI has regularly used its reputation to support ideological agendas such as the Equality Act. REI does not have viewpoint protections for its employees. For these reasons, REI Co-op receives a "High Risk" rating.
Has denied service to customers, suppliers, or vendors due to their political views or religious beliefs OR corporately boycotts, divests, or sanctions regions, people groups, or industries.
REI ceased the sale of certain products (such as bicycle helmets) manufactured by Vista Outdoor due to Vista also owning companies in the firearms industry and donating to the NRA (1). REI received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Corporate Equality Index, meaning that, among other criteria, it has pledged to vet vendors for support of LGBTQ policies (2).
Charitable giving (including employee matching programs) policies or practices discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or religious beliefs.
REI has a written and explicit policy against giving through their cooperative action fund to faith-based organizations (1).
Employment policies fail to protect against discrimination based on political affiliation/views and/or religion.
REI does not protect employees from viewpoint discrimination (1).
Uses corporate reputation to support ideological causes and/or organizations hostile to freedom of expression.
REI has pressured the Senate to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would eliminate states’ control over voting procedures (1). REI condemned the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade (2). REI is a member of the HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act (3). The company also signed an open letter attacking parental rights in education and attempts to protect women’s and girls’ sports (4).
Uses corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies hostile to freedom of expression.
REI has pledged to provide travel benefits for abortion following the overturn of Roe v. Wade (1).
Uses corporate political contributions for ideological, non-business purposes.
REI does not operate a PAC.
All links were last accessed and all information was updated on:
August 28, 2023
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