Invesco says that it values responsible investing. It claims to “question or challenge companies about environmental, social, and governance issues that could have an impact on future value.”

Yet Invesco also funds factory farming practices by continuing to invest in Olive Garden, even after months of customer boycotts and an aggressive public campaign against the restaurant. Invesco’s commitment to responsible investing seems to ignore concerns over animal welfare, food safety, and corporate transparency.

Restaurants and foodservice companies across the US are enacting sweeping animal welfare reforms, including Starbucks, Burger King, Subway, and Aramark. Rather than only investing in companies with progressive animal welfare standards, Invesco is backing irresponsible and outdated factory farming practices.

While Olive Garden buries its head in the sand, Invesco has a responsibility to divest from Olive Garden's unethical business practices. In an industry that is shifting towards more humane treatment of animals, Olive Garden’s failing standards and inaction pose serious risks to its public image and long-term profitability.