Harley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle maker, has recently clarified its stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals and initiatives in response to what it describes as “negativity on social media.” The company announced on August 19th that it had conducted an internal review earlier in the year to better align its activities with the needs of its business and community.
As a result of the review, Harley-Davidson has decided to end its relationship with the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT advocacy group. The company also stated that its employee training programs will now strictly focus on business-related content and will be free from any “socially motivated” material. Additionally, the company plans to review all sponsorships and affiliations with outside organizations.
Harley-Davidson clarified that it currently does not have a DEI function and has not operated under DEI guidelines since April. The company emphasized that it does not have hiring quotas and no longer has supplier diversity spend goals aimed at incorporating businesses owned by individuals from diverse backgrounds into its supply chain.
The company expressed its disappointment with the negativity on social media, which it believes is aimed at dividing the Harley-Davidson community. However, there are those who welcomed the company’s statement, including conservative commentator and filmmaker Robby Starbuck, who called it “another win for our movement.”
Starbuck had previously criticized Harley-Davidson for embracing what he referred to as a “woke culture.” In a video shared on social media, Starbuck highlighted examples such as the company’s sponsorship of the Wisconsin LBGT Chamber and its donations to the Milwaukee chapter of United Way, a nonprofit advocating for racial equity and social justice.
Starbuck’s video drew heavily from Harley-Davidson’s 2020 report, which revealed that over 1,800 global employees completed virtual training to learn about being an ally and the importance of diversity and inclusion. The report also mentioned the company’s participation in events like “National Coming Out Day” and learning sessions on how social identities impact people’s lives.
While the report showcased Harley-Davidson’s commitment to diversity, including CEO Jochen Zeitz’s signing of the “CEO Action Pledge for Diversity and Inclusion,” it seems that the company is now shifting its focus back to its core business of motorcycles.
The criticism from Starbuck and others on social media gained traction, with influential figures like Elon Musk and Brian Lanckiewicz echoing the sentiment that Harley-Davidson should solely focus on making motorcycles and avoid what they perceive as “woke” initiatives. In fact, Lanckiewicz even went as far as blowing up his own Harley-Davidson motorcycle in a video to express his frustration.
In conclusion, Harley-Davidson has clarified its stance on DEI goals and initiatives, stating that it will concentrate on growing the sport of motorcycling and retaining its loyal riding community. The company’s decision to end its relationship with the Human Rights Campaign, review sponsorships, and eliminate socially motivated content from its training programs reflects a shift in priorities. While the company had previously been committed to DEI efforts, it seems that external criticism and pressure led to this change in direction.
