[DrRichSwier] Representatives from the National Center for Public Policy Research confronted Walgreens executives at last week’s annual shareholder meeting over the company’s partnerships with left-wing activists that lobby for sanctuary city policies.According to our research, Walgreens has supported the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and UnidosUS, formerly known as the National Council of La Raza. In 2015, LULAC organized a letter which was signed by La Raza asking Members of Congress to oppose legislation that would compel cities and municipalities to enforce standing immigration law. LULAC has also approved a resolution in support of sanctuary cities at its annual convention. Walgreens has also partnered with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the National Urban League, organizations that support sanctuary city policies as well.
At the shareholder meeting, Justin Danhof, Esq., General Counsel for the National Center, submitted the following questions:
- Does Walgreens’ support of these groups indicate that Walgreens believes states and localities can flout federal law and not turn over the names of arrested illegal immigrants to federal authorities ‐ even if they’ve committed violent felonies?
- Because 80 percent of Americans surely include current and potential customers, do you see any potential downside for Walgreens related to the company’s support of groups lobbying for sanctuary cities and amnesty?
- If these groups do not represent Walgreens’ position on immigration, then why would you fund them?
- What exactly is the company’s stance on immigration reform?
Danhof’s complete statement can be viewed here.
Walgreens Vice President for Communications and Community Affairs Chuck Greener responded to these questions saying, "Having listened to your question and the points you’ve made... we’re going to go through all of our donations and certainly take those views into consideration."
| Soothing words to make an irritant go away, not a committment to change anything. |
I am pleased Walgreens committed to reviewing its charitable giving. It’s a shame, however, that executives wanted no part in answering the substance of our question during this public meeting.
Whether its executives acknowledge it or not, Walgreens is funding radical groups lobbying for illegal sanctuary city policies. They say their charitable contributions are not intended to weaken our immigration policies, but they were quick to cut me off when I reminded them that their money is fungible. Once Walgreens donates to a charity, it has no legal right to direct the charity’s actions.
Will Walgreens review its charitable giving policies with due diligence? The company’s leadership may be best influenced by customers who don’t want their shopping dollars to fund support for sanctuary cities. The buttons below will let you contact Walgreens corporate to tell them why supporting groups like LULAC and UnidosUS are bad for business.
| Contacting Walgreens will influence their decision if you are a genuine customer and you are polite. |