Harley-Davidson Drops Diversity Efforts, Rejects DEI Initiatives in Response to Social Media Campaign

Harley-Davidson, the renowned motorcycle company, has announced that it is scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. In a statement released on social media, the company revealed that it has discontinued its consultation with the Human Rights Campaign’s metric for LGBTQ+ employee treatment. Moving forward, sponsorship decisions will be made by the company and foundation, with a focus on retaining their loyal riding community.

The statement also indicated that Harley-Davidson no longer has a DEI function, a decision that has been in effect since April. Additionally, the company expressed its rejection of hiring quotas and the inclusion of “socially motivated content” in training. However, Harley-Davidson reiterated its support for first responders, active military members, and veterans.

This shift in approach comes after conservative activist Robby Starbuck launched an online campaign against Harley-Davidson’s DEI initiatives, claiming that the company had become “woke.” Starbuck’s campaign gained traction, leading to a list of grievances being posted in July. The statement from Harley-Davidson also mentioned an internal stakeholder review conducted earlier this year.

The decision to cut DEI initiatives has received criticism from Eric Bloem, the vice president of programs and corporate advocacy at the Human Rights Campaign. Bloem described Harley-Davidson’s actions as “impulsive” and accused the company of prioritizing politics over the well-being of its workers and consumers.

On the other hand, Starbuck applauded the move, considering it a victory for his movement. This shift in sentiment towards DEI is not unique to Harley-Davidson, as retail chain Tractor Supply also eliminated DEI roles in June, alongside reducing its support for the LGBTQ+ community and commitment to carbon emission goals.

These changes in approach by major companies follow a significant U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2023 that struck down affirmative action in colleges. Experts predicted that this ruling would have implications for corporate hiring and recruiting. Since then, companies such as Starbucks, Disney, and Target have faced legal challenges regarding their DEI initiatives for LGBTQ+ customers and employees.

In conclusion, Harley-Davidson’s decision to reduce its DEI efforts has sparked both support and criticism. While some see it as a win for those opposing DEI initiatives, others believe it prioritizes politics over the interests of workers and consumers. This move aligns with a broader trend of companies reconsidering their approach to DEI in light of legal challenges and the changing socio-political landscape.