Explainer: Why Geico dropped pro-Palestine activist Linda Sarsour as 'diversity speaker'
Linda Sarsour’s harsh criticisms of Israel have been deemed anti-Semitic by numerous Jewish organizations in the United States, though she denies holding hateful views and has significant support among some progressives.
The American insurance giant Geico sent out an email on April 5 inviting employees to a discussion with American activist Linda Sarsour, who is known for her support of the Palestinian cause. The invitation was part of Geico’s “diversity and inclusion” efforts and aimed to celebrate Middle East and North African heritage month in April.
Today, Geico rescinded Sarsour’s invitation along with an apology.
“Geico does not condone hatred of any kind, and we do not stand for or with anyone who does,” read the statement. “We are not aligned with any form of exclusion.”
The reversal relates to Sarsour’s controversial status in the debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the United States.
