Akron, OH – Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. is reversing course and attempting to “clear the record” after a firestorm of criticism over the company’s reported workplace diversity policies.

A leaked image from an unidentified employee claiming to work at Goodyear’s Topeka, KS location quickly went viral late Tuesday night after it revealed the company’s diversity policy disallows the expression of support for law enforcement and slogans such as “All Lives Matter.”

However, the reported policy does allow employees to wear clothing supportive of Black Lives Matter (BLM) as well as “lesbian, gay, and bi-sexual pride.”

By Wednesday morning the news had reached the Oval Office prompting President Donald Trump to call for a boycott of Goodyear products.

The President indicated in a press conference he would be ordering the removal of Goodyear tires from the presidential limousine and motorcade vehicles.

It wasn’t just President Trump that was furious.

Truckers sounded off on Transportation Nation Network’s (TNN) social media and members only pages with many of them saying they would no longer purchase Goodyear tires.

Click HERE to read more on what truckers had to say for and against.

Reports of police departments throughout the country also looking to ditch Goodyear tires began circulating shortly following the President’s comments.

Making matters worse for the tire giant, Goodyear’s stock fell more than 3 percent by that afternoon.

On Thursday, Rich Kramer, CEO of Goodyear, released a statement saying the company has “clarified” its policy and will allow expressions of support for law enforcement.

“Goodyear strongly supports our law enforcement partners and deeply appreciates all they do to put their lives on the line each and every day for our communities,” Kramer said. “We have clarified our policy to make it clear associates can express support for law enforcement through apparel at Goodyear facilities.”

A message from Rich Kramer: By now, you are aware of a visual from our Topeka factory that has been circulating in the media. I want to personally clear the record on what you are seeing and hearing. pic.twitter.com/UqqFeFQn6t

— Goodyear (@goodyear) August 20, 2020

Further, Kramer indicated the controversial slide was “not approved or distributed by Goodyear Corporate or anyone outside of that facility.”

“The slide in question was created by a plant employee to try to explain what is acceptable to wear in the workplace,” he explained. “I deeply regret the impression it has created and want to clarify Goodyear’s position.”

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Still, Kramer did hold firm on disallowing expressions of support for “any candidate or political party.”

“Goodyear has always supported both law enforcement and equal justice. We will always do so,” he said.

What do you think?

Will you buy Goodyear tires going forward?

Tell us what you think on our social media pages or in the members only comments section below.

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