Harley-Davidson Abandons DEI Goals After Pressure from Anti-Diversity Critics
Harley-Davidson recently announced that it would be abandoning some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals in response to pressure from anti-diversity critics on social media. This move follows similar decisions made by companies like John Deere & Co. and Tractor Supply earlier this year.
Changes in DEI Initiatives
In a press release, Harley-Davidson revealed that it no longer has a dedicated DEI function and has not had one since April 2024. The company has also eliminated its supplier diversity spend goals, which aimed to allocate spending across businesses owned by individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Additionally, Harley-Davidson has decided to discontinue its participation in Human Rights Campaign (HRC) ratings and remove any “socially motivated content” from employee training materials.
Response to Criticism
In a statement, Harley-Davidson expressed disappointment over the negative social media attention it received, which the company believes was intended to divide its community. Despite scaling back on some DEI initiatives, Harley-Davidson emphasized the importance of having a diverse employee and customer base for the success of the business.
Conservative Support and Criticism
Conservative political commentator Robby Starbuck commended Harley-Davidson’s decision, viewing it as a victory for the anti-DEI movement. Starbuck, who opposes race-based hiring decisions and believes that DEI policies blend social issues and politics into corporate culture, publicly supported the company’s actions.
The move by Harley-Davidson reflects a broader trend of companies facing pressure to reevaluate their DEI initiatives. While some see these policies as necessary for creating more inclusive organizations, others, particularly conservative activists, question their effectiveness and fairness.
