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Wharton Prof: Tech Companies Lead Way In Activism, But Impact Largely Symbolic

Like all states, North Carolina touts itself as a good place to do business. But some corporations are boycotting the state to protest House Bill 2. The measure approved by legislators and signed by Governor Pat McCrory more than a month ago excludes a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression from state or local government protections against discrimination.  

Since HB2 became law, dozens of corporations and CEOs have spoken out against North Carolina's law. PayPal and Deutsche Bank have shelved plans to expand or open new facilities in the state.  

PayPal’s decision wasn’t a big surprise to Professor Maurice Schweitzer, of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.  He studies how companies make decisions. Professor Schweitzer spoke with WFAE's Mark Rumsey about how corporations are reacting to HB2, and the rise in CEO activism.

Mark Rumsey grew up in Kansas and got his first radio job at age 17 in the town of Abilene, where he announced easy-listening music played from vinyl record albums.