Ford Motor Co. Slams Brakes on External Culture Surveys and Diversity Policies

Ford Motor Co. has made significant changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, according to a memo sent by CEO Jim Farley. One of the key changes is that Ford will no longer participate in external culture surveys, including the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Corporate Equality Index. The index measures workplace inclusion for LGBT employees and provides companies with a score based on their policies and practices related to LGBTQ employees.

Farley’s memo also stated that Ford will no longer participate in various “best places to work lists.” Instead, the company will focus on building a high-performance culture that emphasizes delivering results and collaboration. Farley emphasized the importance of respect and inclusion in creating an environment where employees can do their best work.

Another notable change is that Ford will not utilize hiring quotas or compensation to achieve specific diversity goals. While the company aims to develop a dealer body that reflects the communities they serve, they will not use quotas for minority dealerships or suppliers. Farley’s intention is for Ford to stay politically neutral and avoid getting involved in polarizing issues. However, he mentioned that the company will still speak out on core issues if they believe they can make a positive difference and support causes that “move people forward and upward.”

The decision by Ford to change its DEI policies has received mixed reactions. The Human Rights Campaign expressed disappointment and called Ford’s decision “shortsighted.” They believe that Ford’s withdrawal from the annual survey and the corporate equality index will have long-term consequences for the company. The HRC has seen an increase in the number of participating businesses, with over 1,300 businesses, including more than 300 from the Fortune 500, participating in the last year. However, other companies, such as Brown-Forman, Lowe’s, and Harley-Davidson, have also announced that they will no longer participate in the corporate equality index.

Critics of the index argue that it puts pressure on companies to align with the HRC’s agenda and that its criteria are too ideologically driven. Some feel that the index is divisive and prioritizes its goals over business interests. Ford has not provided further comment on their decision.

Overall, Ford’s changes to its DEI policies reflect a shift in approach towards a more neutral stance on political issues. While the decision has faced criticism, it aligns with a growing backlash against corporations promoting ultra-progressive agendas. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how these policy adjustments impact Ford and its relationship with the LGBTQ community and other stakeholders.