Traditional Values At Exxon

Exxon has seen the writing on the wall for ‘woke’ corporations. The slogan “go woke, go broke” has come true for more than one business.

Time posted an article on Friday about a recent decision by Exxon.

The article reports:

Exxon Mobil Corp. plans to prohibit the LGBTQ-rights flag from being flown outside its offices during Pride month in June, prompting backlash from Houston-based employees.

Exxon updated company guidance on what flags can be displayed outside its offices, banning “external position flags” such as PRIDE and Black Lives Matter, according to the policy seen by Bloomberg News. In response, members of Exxon’s PRIDE Houston Chapter are refusing to represent the company at the city’s June 25 Pride celebration, according to an employee group email also seen by Bloomberg.

As long as all flags of one type are banned, this is a wise decision. Any flag put up that supports a political organization or position is going to anger someone. It’s better to simply put up the American flag and the flag of the state or country you are operating in.

The article notes:

“The updated flag protocol is intended to clarify the use of the ExxonMobil branded company flag and not intended to diminish our commitment to diversity and support for employee resource groups,” Tracey Gunnlaugsson, vice president of human resources, said in a statement. “We’re committed to keeping an open, honest, and inclusive workplace for all of our employees, and we’re saddened that any employee would think otherwise.”

While the commonly recognized rainbow flag is prohibited, Exxon supports displaying banners and flags with logos of so-called employee resource groups, especially during signature months, Gunnlaugsson said. “The flags are directly related to our business and company support of our ERGs, including PRIDE for LBGTQ+ employees.”

Exxon has made significant strides to improve diversity and extend employee benefits over the last decade, but some workers perceive the row over the rainbow flag as a major setback for LGBTQ employees and their allies. The oil giant was slower than many corporations to provide equal coverage, but added gay marriage benefits in 2014, restored protective-employment language in 2015 and added transgender coverage in 2016.

When it is all said and done, I really don’t care what someone does in their private life as long as it does not directly affect me. There is no reason to celebrate or discriminate against a group of people because of their sexual preference. There really is no reason to air that in public–it belongs in private conversations. A lot of the problems the LGBTQ movement has encountered are the result of their insistence on special recognition and special privileges. There is no ‘straight pride’ flag. Are straight people allowed to have pride?