For decades, Ben & Jerry’s wasn’t just about ice cream. It was about values such as climate action, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and taking bold stands that most corporations would never dare to touch. The brand made flavors out of causes, and customers loved them for it.
But this week, Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, announced he is stepping down after nearly 50 years, and his reason should concern anyone who cares about free speech. He says the company’s parent, Unilever, has “silenced” the social mission that made Ben & Jerry’s iconic.
When Unilever acquired the Vermont ice cream brand back in 2000, an unusual agreement was struck: Ben & Jerry’s would keep its independence to pursue social and political advocacy. For years, that promise held. But according to Greenfield, those commitments have been steadily eroded, culminating in Unilever rejecting a recent attempt by the brand to buy itself back.
The tension hit a breaking point over Ben & Jerry’s stance on Gaza and other political issues. Greenfield now claims the brand can no longer speak freely, and that its mission has been subordinated to corporate profit.
Why does this matter? Because it shows just how fragile free expression can be — even for household names. If a beloved brand built on activism can be pressured into silence, what does that mean for smaller voices, grassroots movements, or even individuals trying to be heard?
Free speech doesn’t mean endorsing every idea. It means protecting the right to stand up for values, even when they’re inconvenient. As one of our own upcoming collections reminds us: Free Speech ≠ Hate Speech. Silencing a mission that advocates for justice isn’t neutrality, it’s suppression.
At a time when speaking out feels riskier than ever, Jerry Greenfield’s exit is a warning: corporate control and democratic values don’t always mix well. The choice is ours, stay silent, or keep pushing for voices that refuse to be muted.
0 comments