Woke culture is wreaking havoc on businesses nationwide. What started as a political movement for progressive change has now morphed into a toxic environment that punishes anyone who dares to hold different views. Businesses are being bullied into silence, employees are walking on eggshells, and the American entrepreneurial spirit is being suffocated under the weight of woke activism.

Companies that don’t toe the progressive line are shamed, boycotted, or driven out of business entirely. It’s no wonder many small businesses are struggling to survive in today’s hyper-politicized world.

Progressive politics, while loud and aggressive, never end up helping the average American. Instead of fostering inclusivity, woke culture has weaponized victimhood and outrage to shut down opposing viewpoints. From tech giants enforcing ideological conformity to coffee shop owners being driven out of business, this movement is more about control than justice.

The consequences are clear—small businesses are suffering, and the voices of hardworking Americans are being drowned out by those who scream the loudest.

From Daily Wire:
A coffee shop owner who was bullied off the Boise State University campus for being pro-cop has won a $4 million award.

Sarah Fendley, owner of Big City Coffee, was forced to leave the BSU campus in 2020 after she was harassed by students for displaying a pro-police flag following the George Floyd riots, Campus Reform reported. Fendley sued the university, claiming her First Amendment rights were violated, and after a nine-day jury trial in early September, she was awarded $3 million in damages for business losses and another $1 million for punitive damages, The College Fix reported.

Pro-Cop Coffee Shop Owner Bullied Off of Campus

One small business owner who found herself in the crosshairs of woke culture is Sarah Fendley, the owner of Big City Coffee in Boise, Idaho. After being harassed off Boise State University’s campus for displaying a pro-police flag, Fendley fought back—and won.

Fendley was awarded $4 million after a jury found the university violated her First Amendment rights by forcing her out. Her crime? Showing support for law enforcement by flying a Thin Blue Line flag after the 2020 George Floyd riots.

Fendley’s ordeal began when she displayed the flag at her coffee shop on the BSU campus. The flag, which honors fallen police officers, became a lightning rod for controversy in the wake of the riots.

Woke students revolted, claiming the flag was “not supportive of people of color,” and pressured the university to remove her business. Within four months, Big City Coffee was forced to leave campus.

Suing for Justice

Fendley, however, wasn’t about to roll over. She filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming that her First Amendment rights had been violated, and in September 2023, she got her day in court. After a nine-day trial, Fendley was awarded 4 million in damages—3 million for business losses and another $1 million in punitive damages. Her victory is a powerful reminder that the woke mob doesn’t always win.

“We’re very grateful,” said Fendley’s attorney Mike Roe. “The system worked.” Indeed, it did. This case sets a precedent that businesses and individuals don’t have to bow down to the woke agenda. There are still courts willing to stand up for free speech, and in Fendley’s case, justice was served.

A Personal Connection to Law Enforcement

Fendley’s support for the Thin Blue Line wasn’t born out of political activism but personal experience. In 2016, her partner, a police officer, was shot five times by an escaped prisoner.

He lost his leg in the attack and now uses a wheelchair. Since then, Fendley has proudly displayed the Thin Blue Line flag at all of her coffee shop locations without incident. That is, until she put it up at BSU, where woke students were quick to attack.

Students at the university labeled the flag as offensive and launched a campaign to get Big City Coffee removed from campus. At a meeting of the Inclusive Excellence Student Council, one student declared, “Big City is very supportive of the Thin Blue Line which we know is not supportive of people of color.” Social media posts followed, urging students to boycott the shop, and within months, BSU caved to the pressure and terminated the contract.

The Woke Mob’s Destruction

This case highlights the growing power of woke activism and its impact on small businesses. The woke mob has become emboldened, believing it can silence anyone who doesn’t align with its views.

But Fendley’s victory in court proves that these tactics won’t always succeed. Fendley is thankful the truth came out, and now, after four years of legal battles, she can finally move on.

“I’m thankful that the truth finally came out,” Fendley said. “It’s been a long four years, and I’m just happy that it’s over.”

However, BSU administrators aren’t done yet. They plan to appeal the verdict, insisting they were only honoring the First Amendment rights of all involved. It’s a weak defense, considering they bullied a small business owner off campus for supporting law enforcement. But that’s how woke culture works—any viewpoint that doesn’t fit their narrative is quickly shut down.

The story of Big City Coffee is just one example of how woke culture is poisoning the business landscape. Progressive activists aren’t interested in dialogue or debate—they’re interested in dominance.

The good news is that brave individuals like Sarah Fendley are pushing back. Her $4 million victory is a win not just for her but for every business owner who has been targeted for daring to hold a different opinion.

As America heads into 2024, it’s time for more people to stand up against the toxic culture of wokeness. Small businesses are the backbone of this country, and they deserve better than to be bullied into silence. If the woke mob continues to destroy livelihoods, they will only see more pushback—and not just in the courtroom.

Key Takeaways:

• Woke culture is hurting small businesses by silencing differing views.
• Sarah Fendley won $4 million after being forced off Boise State’s campus for supporting law enforcement.
• Her victory shows that standing up to woke activism can still lead to justice.

Source: Daily Wire