Walgreens Boots Alliance
Corprate Bias Ratings
Risk Level:
Summary:
Walgreens Boots Alliance (Walgreens) vets vendors according to LGBTQ policies and does not provide its employees with protections against viewpoint discrimination, but has not publicly terminated business relationships based on views or beliefs. Walgreens has spoken out against state legislation to recognize biological gender in sports and funds multiple LGBTQ organizations. Walgreens is a signatory of the Business Roundtable's 2019 Statement on the Purpose of Corporation, which promotes stakeholder capitalism. However, the company does not discriminate against faith-based charities and strives for viewpoint diversity on its board of directors. Furthermore, it has not used its PAC contributions for ideological purposes. For these reasons, Walgreens receives a Medium Risk rating. Note: Walgreens has applied for FDA approval to dispense the abortion drug mifepristone at its pharmacies. However, Walgreens has stated that it will not offer the pill in states with anti-abortion laws, despite Democratic pressure to do so.
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.
While Walgreens has not canceled any business relationships due to views or beliefs, the company has received negative press for firing employees who claimed they were wrongly terminated. In each of these cases, Walgreens has not lost a wrongful termination lawsuit. In one prominent example, a pharmacist was fired for stopping an armed robbery using his legally concealed firearm (1). Nonetheless, there are no specific instances of political or religious discrimination. Walgreens received a score of 100 on the Corporate Equality Index from the Human Rights Campaign. Among other requirements, this means the company has pledged to vet vendors based on LGBTQ policies (2)(3). Walgreens has applied for FDA approval to dispense abortion drugs (4). Walgreens has stated that it will not sell abortion drugs in states that have instituted laws against them, despite significant pressure from Democratic politicians and activists to do so (5).
Charitable giving (including employee matching programs) policies or practices discriminate against charitable organizations based on views or religious beliefs.
Walgreens does not appear to discriminate against religious organizations in its charitable giving (1). Walgreens states that it does give to faith-based groups as long as the donation fits into certain categories and the groups’ community outreach is non-sectarian. Walgreens has selected four nonprofits associated with health relief for its employee donation matching program.
Employment policies fail to protect against discrimination based on political affiliation/views and/or religion.
Although shareholders discussed improving Walgreens hiring nondiscrimination policy to protect against viewpoint discrimination, the company does not protect employees from viewpoint discrimination (1).
Uses corporate reputation to support ideological causes and/or organizations hostile to freedom of expression.
Walgreens spoke out to denounce state legislation that prevented transgender public school students from competing in girls’ youth sports or using the women’s restroom in schools (1). Walgreens has also implemented ESG practices, including mandatory unconscious bias training and a 2040 net-zero pledge (2). CEO Rosalind Brewer is a member of the Business Roundtable and Former CEO Stefano Pessina signed its 2019 Statement on the Purpose of Corporation, which promotes stakeholder capitalism over traditional obligations to shareholders and customers (3)(4). Walgreens sells Pride-related merchandise on its online store and features pro-LGBTQ news releases (5)(6).
Uses corporate funds to advance ideological causes, organizations, or policies hostile to freedom of expression.
All links were last accessed and all information was updated on:
December 5, 2023
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Voting History
| Date | ESG Category | Proponent | Summary of Resolution | Mgmt Rec | Total Vote % in Favor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/26/23 | Governance | Kenneth Steiner | Independent Board Chair | Against | 33.84% |
| 1/26/23 | Social | Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia | Report on Public Health Costs from Sale of Tobacco Products | Against | 10.24% |
| 1/27/22 | Governance | John Chevedden | Special Meetings - Reduce Ownership Req. to 10% | Against | 30.60% |
| 1/27/22 | Social | Sisters of St. Francis | Report on Public Health Costs Due to Tobacco Product Sales and the Impact on Overall Market | Against | 11.26% |
| 1/27/22 | Governance | National Center for Public Policy Research | Conversion to Public Benefit Corporation | Against | 2.48% |