Investors Challenge 38 Major Corporations with Shareholder Proposals to Eliminate ‘Woke’ Policies
Inspire Investing CEO Robert Netzly and CFA Tim Schwarzenberger speak exclusively to Fox News Digital about their shareholder proposals for 2026 and the ‘real, tangible change’ they’re hoping for.
EXCLUSIVE: Corporate America has long claimed that progressive social activism reflects the will of customers and shareholders — but a growing group of investors is now pushing back against that idea.
A Christian investment firm managing over $4 billion in assets is targeting numerous major corporations this year with shareholder proposals aimed at pressuring companies to abandon what it calls “woke” agendas. Their goal is to return to political neutrality and concentrate on core business operations.
“What we’re working to do through our engagement efforts is to help corporations get back to a place of neutrality, to stay out of contentious social issues, and focus on shareholder value,” Inspire Investing CEO Robert Netzly told Fox News Digital. “This is about fulfilling their fiduciary duty to derive value for shareholders rather than introducing risks related to social and political activism.”
“We’re long-term investors, not activists,” added Inspire’s CFA Tim Schwarzenberger. “We want companies to treat all customers and employees fairly, focusing on their core business and avoiding divisive political issues that could lead to customer backlash and financial risks.”
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The firm discussed its plans with Fox News Digital, revealing 38 shareholder proposals aimed at companies among the so-called “Magnificent Seven” and other large-cap corporations. These proposals will address policies related to water usage, artificial intelligence, off-duty speech, de-banking, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, among others.
Inspire Investing is targeting a slew of major corporations in 2026, tied to DEI-related resolution topics. (Getty Images)
“We’re seeing these chickens coming home to roost,” Netzly remarked. “The warnings we’ve issued about the financial risks of social activism are proving true. Companies like Bud Light, Disney, and Target have faced significant backlash, and other corporations are taking note.” He emphasized that their proposals are backed by real evidence and truth.
Critics have highlighted recent corporate controversies as examples of the financial risks associated with divisive social activism. For instance, Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White” reportedly lost $115 million, while Target’s market capitalization dropped by over $9 billion following its 2023 Pride collection. Anheuser-Busch InBev also faced substantial losses after Bud Light partnered with a transgender influencer.
“When companies engage in divisive political issues, it creates brand risk and customer backlash,” Schwarzenberger noted. “Our proposals serve as guardrails, helping boards identify risks they may not be aware of. Customers and investors have awakened to these issues.”
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Netzly argued that Inspire’s proposals are based on a principle many Americans share: companies should focus on their products rather than social or political messaging. He believes that corporate activism distracts executives from core operations and introduces political risks into boardrooms, a trend Inspire aims to reverse through shareholder pressure.
“Corporate activism comes with a cost,” he stated. “It affects share prices, dividends, and reinvestment for growth.” Schwarzenberger added, “Most Americans invest through their 401(k) plans, so when companies perform better, everyday investors benefit.”
Throughout 2026, Inspire is expecting to file 38 shareholder proposals at major corporations for resolution topics relating to DEI, de-banking, net zero, off-duty speech, and more. (Canva/Fox News Digital)
“We’ve influenced some of the largest corporations in the world,” Netzly stated. “For instance, Costco recently decided not to sell the abortion drug Mifepristone in their pharmacies, a decision influenced by our engagement. Walmart made a similar choice after discussions with us. We can effect real, lasting change.”
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While some companies Inspire is targeting have historically been profitable, the firm has a message for skeptics who argue that these proposals distract from the bottom line. “There is healthy skepticism about these proposals, as many have historically been used to push politics. However, our proposals are grounded in fiduciary duty and are not distractions from profitability,” Schwarzenberger explained.
Inspire Investing CEO Robert Netzly joins ‘Making Money’ to share why he is investing in companies that share his faith values.
“Our proposals aim to steer companies away from social issues,” Netzly continued. “The problem is that these companies have already been influenced to such an extent that they are spending money and distracting from their core business through DEI programs and ESG initiatives. Our proposals are designed to help them refocus.”
Fox News Digital reached out to all 38 companies Inspire plans to target this year for comment. Most did not respond, while several confirmed they have either received or have not yet received formal proposals from Inspire.
The executives mentioned that some meetings have already occurred with multiple companies, described as “good, productive” discussions. Inspire indicated they would withdraw proposals if meaningful conversations transpire. Additionally, some shareholder deadlines will not be filed until later this year.
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Netzly and Schwarzenberger emphasized that success looks different for each proposal. “We are looking for real, tangible change,” Schwarzenberger stressed. “This includes specific policy changes, whether that’s altering their code of conduct, terms of service, or how they allocate corporate dollars to sponsor controversial events.”
“If a company ignores the proposals, we can still get them on the ballot and rally support to vote them through. Ultimately, it comes down to the shareholders,” Netzly concluded. “Companies that resist hearing their shareholders’ voices risk legislative consequences for potential violations of their fiduciary duties, as well as brand backlash for being tone-deaf to shareholder concerns.”
Inspire Investing CEO Robert Netzly and CFA Tim Schwarzenberger speak exclusively to Fox News Digital about their shareholder proposals for 2026 and the ‘real, tangible change’ they’re hoping for.
EXCLUSIVE: Corporate America has long claimed that progressive social activism reflects the will of customers and shareholders — but a growing group of investors is now pushing back against that idea.
A Christian investment firm managing over $4 billion in assets is targeting numerous major corporations this year with shareholder proposals aimed at pressuring companies to abandon what it calls “woke” agendas. Their goal is to return to political neutrality and concentrate on core business operations.
“What we’re working to do through our engagement efforts is to help corporations get back to a place of neutrality, to stay out of contentious social issues, and focus on shareholder value,” Inspire Investing CEO Robert Netzly told Fox News Digital. “This is about fulfilling their fiduciary duty to derive value for shareholders rather than introducing risks related to social and political activism.”
“We’re long-term investors, not activists,” added Inspire’s CFA Tim Schwarzenberger. “We want companies to treat all customers and employees fairly, focusing on their core business and avoiding divisive political issues that could lead to customer backlash and financial risks.”
WHITE HOUSE A.I. CZAR BLASTS BLUE STATES FOR INSERTING ‘WOKE IDEOLOGY’ INTO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The firm discussed its plans with Fox News Digital, revealing 38 shareholder proposals aimed at companies among the so-called “Magnificent Seven” and other large-cap corporations. These proposals will address policies related to water usage, artificial intelligence, off-duty speech, de-banking, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, among others.
Inspire Investing is targeting a slew of major corporations in 2026, tied to DEI-related resolution topics. (Getty Images)
“We’re seeing these chickens coming home to roost,” Netzly remarked. “The warnings we’ve issued about the financial risks of social activism are proving true. Companies like Bud Light, Disney, and Target have faced significant backlash, and other corporations are taking note.” He emphasized that their proposals are backed by real evidence and truth.
Critics have highlighted recent corporate controversies as examples of the financial risks associated with divisive social activism. For instance, Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White” reportedly lost $115 million, while Target’s market capitalization dropped by over $9 billion following its 2023 Pride collection. Anheuser-Busch InBev also faced substantial losses after Bud Light partnered with a transgender influencer.
“When companies engage in divisive political issues, it creates brand risk and customer backlash,” Schwarzenberger noted. “Our proposals serve as guardrails, helping boards identify risks they may not be aware of. Customers and investors have awakened to these issues.”
‘The Big Money Show’ panel reacts to growing backlash over alleged de-banking, as lawmakers warn major banks may be cutting off Americans for political or ideological reasons.
Netzly argued that Inspire’s proposals are based on a principle many Americans share: companies should focus on their products rather than social or political messaging. He believes that corporate activism distracts executives from core operations and introduces political risks into boardrooms, a trend Inspire aims to reverse through shareholder pressure.
“Corporate activism comes with a cost,” he stated. “It affects share prices, dividends, and reinvestment for growth.” Schwarzenberger added, “Most Americans invest through their 401(k) plans, so when companies perform better, everyday investors benefit.”
Throughout 2026, Inspire is expecting to file 38 shareholder proposals at major corporations for resolution topics relating to DEI, de-banking, net zero, off-duty speech, and more. (Canva/Fox News Digital)
“We’ve influenced some of the largest corporations in the world,” Netzly stated. “For instance, Costco recently decided not to sell the abortion drug Mifepristone in their pharmacies, a decision influenced by our engagement. Walmart made a similar choice after discussions with us. We can effect real, lasting change.”
AT&T ELIMINATES D.E.I. PROGRAMS, SAYS HIRING AND ADVANCEMENT WILL NOW BE MERIT-BASED
While some companies Inspire is targeting have historically been profitable, the firm has a message for skeptics who argue that these proposals distract from the bottom line. “There is healthy skepticism about these proposals, as many have historically been used to push politics. However, our proposals are grounded in fiduciary duty and are not distractions from profitability,” Schwarzenberger explained.
Inspire Investing CEO Robert Netzly joins ‘Making Money’ to share why he is investing in companies that share his faith values.
“Our proposals aim to steer companies away from social issues,” Netzly continued. “The problem is that these companies have already been influenced to such an extent that they are spending money and distracting from their core business through DEI programs and ESG initiatives. Our proposals are designed to help them refocus.”
Fox News Digital reached out to all 38 companies Inspire plans to target this year for comment. Most did not respond, while several confirmed they have either received or have not yet received formal proposals from Inspire.
The executives mentioned that some meetings have already occurred with multiple companies, described as “good, productive” discussions. Inspire indicated they would withdraw proposals if meaningful conversations transpire. Additionally, some shareholder deadlines will not be filed until later this year.
Texas Rep. Brian Harrison speaks with Fox News Digital about his mission to remove all diversity, equity, and inclusion funding across Lone Star State agencies.
Netzly and Schwarzenberger emphasized that success looks different for each proposal. “We are looking for real, tangible change,” Schwarzenberger stressed. “This includes specific policy changes, whether that’s altering their code of conduct, terms of service, or how they allocate corporate dollars to sponsor controversial events.”
“If a company ignores the proposals, we can still get them on the ballot and rally support to vote them through. Ultimately, it comes down to the shareholders,” Netzly concluded. “Companies that resist hearing their shareholders’ voices risk legislative consequences for potential violations of their fiduciary duties, as well as brand backlash for being tone-deaf to shareholder concerns.”
