First, let me say that I have no connection or financial stake in GrubHub. In fact, I had only heard of them in passing before yesterday when Trump supporters began boycotting the company through the Twitter tag ‘#boycottGrubHub’ in supposed response to a Fox News report that GrubHub’s CEO, Matt Maloney, had called for a resignation of all employees who had voted for Trump. What Maloney actually said was this:
Full Email Text:
SUBJECT: So... that happened... what's next?
I'm still trying to reconcile my own worldview with the overwhelming message that was delivered last night. Clearly there are a lot of people angry and scared as the antithesis of every modern presidential candidate won and will be our next president.
While demeaning, insulting and ridiculing minorities, immigrants and the physically/mentally disabled worked for Mr. Trump, I want to be clear that this behavior - and these views, have no place at Grubhub. Had he worked here, many of his comments would have resulted in his immediate termination.
We have worked for years cultivating a culture of support and inclusiveness. I firmly believe that we must bring together different perspectives to continue innovating - including all genders, races, ethnicities and sexual, cultural or ideological preferences. We are better, faster and stronger together.
Further I absolutely reject the nationalist, anti-immigrant and hateful politics of Donald Trump and will work to shield our community from this movement as best as I can. As we all try to understand what this vote means to us, I want to affirm to anyone on our team that is scared or feels personally exposed, that I and everyone else here at Grubhub will fight for your dignity and your right to make a better life for yourself and your family here in the United States.
If you do not agree with this statement then please reply to this email with your resignation because you have no place here. We do not tolerate hateful attitudes on our team.I want to repeat what Hillary said this morning, that the new administration deserves our open minds and a chance to lead, but never stop believing that the fight for what's right is worth it.
Stay strong, Matt
The CEO later issued a statement clarifying that he “did not ask for anyone to resign if they voted for Trump” and that “Grubhub welcomes and accepts employees with all political beliefs, no matter who they voted for in this or any election”.
Unfortunately, many Trump supporters would much prefer to take Maloney’s words out of context. They also now seem to think they have a license to openly express bigotry and hate at any time, toward anyone, even in the workplace. I am not a human resource or legal expert, but am pretty sure discriminatory behavior is banned by all employers At last check, other media outlets like TechCrunch are running this story today with a less inflammatory headline, but certainly damage to the company has been done and will be ongoing. It is important for us to support those companies who reject the hateful ideals of the right-wing. I don’t know how widely GrubHub is available or what areas it serves, but please support them if you can, or at least help spread the word.
Here is a the full text of both the statement and email from GrubHub’s CEO from the company’s website:
Press Release DetailsInclusion and Tolerance in the Workplace11/10/2016This year’s presidential election was undoubtedly divisive and left many of our employees feeling concerned. In response, I wrote a company-wide email that was intended to advocate for inclusion and tolerance -- regardless of political affiliation -- during this time of transition for our country.
Some of the statements in my email (please see full text below) have been misconstrued. I want to clarify that I did not ask for anyone to resign if they voted for Trump. I would never make such a demand. To the contrary, the message of the email is that we do not tolerate discriminatory activity or hateful commentary in the workplace, and that we will stand up for our employees.
Grubhub welcomes and accepts employees with all political beliefs, no matter who they voted for in this or any election. We do not discriminate on the basis of someone's principles, or political or other beliefs.
I deeply respect the right of all citizens to vote for the candidate of their choice. In fact, I offered extra flexibility on Tuesday and encouraged all our employees to go vote. There is a place for all points of view at Grubhub. We value diverse perspectives and believe those perspectives help to create a better product and a better workplace culture.
Grubhub’s leadership team has worked for years to create a culture of support and inclusiveness. I firmly believe that we must bring together different perspectives to continue innovating. We are better, faster and stronger together, and so is America.
Posted by Matt Maloney, Grubhub CEO *********************************************
Full Email Text:
SUBJECT: So... that happened... what's next?
I'm still trying to reconcile my own worldview with the overwhelming message that was delivered last night. Clearly there are a lot of people angry and scared as the antithesis of every modern presidential candidate won and will be our next president.
While demeaning, insulting and ridiculing minorities, immigrants and the physically/mentally disabled worked for Mr. Trump, I want to be clear that this behavior - and these views, have no place at Grubhub. Had he worked here, many of his comments would have resulted in his immediate termination.
We have worked for years cultivating a culture of support and inclusiveness. I firmly believe that we must bring together different perspectives to continue innovating - including all genders, races, ethnicities and sexual, cultural or ideological preferences. We are better, faster and stronger together.
Further I absolutely reject the nationalist, anti-immigrant and hateful politics of Donald Trump and will work to shield our community from this movement as best as I can. As we all try to understand what this vote means to us, I want to affirm to anyone on our team that is scared or feels personally exposed, that I and everyone else here at Grubhub will fight for your dignity and your right to make a better life for yourself and your family here in the United States.
If you do not agree with this statement then please reply to this email with your resignation because you have no place here. We do not tolerate hateful attitudes on our team.I want to repeat what Hillary said this morning, that the new administration deserves our open minds and a chance to lead, but never stop believing that the fight for what's right is worth it.
Stay strong, Matt
Hoping all of those opposed to Trump’s bigotry and hate, including business owners brave enough to stand up and speak out, get through the next four years unfazed!