"When packaged goods company Unilever bought Ben & Jerry's for $326 million in 2000, the "unique merger agreement" allowed them the independence to use their brand to speak out "in support of peace, justice, and human rights, not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world.""
"Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important, and yet Ben & Jerry's has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power. It's easy to stand up and speak out when there's nothing at risk. The real test of values is when times are challenging and you have something to lose."
Jerry Greenfield, 74, resigned from Ben & Jerry's after 47 years, saying he could no longer remain in good conscience. He accused parent company Unilever of eroding the independence guaranteed by the unique 2000 merger agreement, which allowed the brand to speak out in support of peace, justice, and human rights in relation to real events. He called the loss of that independence profoundly disappointing. He said the silencing is occurring as the national administration attacks civil rights, voting rights, and the rights of immigrants, women, and LGBTQ people. He noted past brand activism, including a 2009 flavor rename for marriage equality.
Read at Advocate.com
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