Harley-Davidson Abandons DEI Goals Amid Social Media Pressure
Harley-Davidson recently announced that it would be abandoning some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals due to pressure from anti-diversity critics on social media. This decision comes on the heels of similar moves by companies like John Deere & Co. and Tractor Supply earlier this summer.
The Shift in DEI Initiatives
In a statement, Harley-Davidson revealed that it no longer has a “DEI function” and has not had such a program in place since April 2024. The company has also eliminated its goals for “supplier diversity spend,” which aimed to distribute spending across businesses owned by individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Response to Social Media Backlash
Additionally, Harley-Davidson stated that it will no longer participate in Human Rights Campaign (HRC) ratings and will be removing any “socially motivated content” from its employee training materials. The company expressed disappointment at the negativity on social media that sought to divide the Harley-Davidson community.
Despite these changes, Harley-Davidson maintains that a diverse workforce and customer base are beneficial for business and believes that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the experience of riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Conservative Support and Controversy
Conservative commentator Robby Starbuck applauded Harley-Davidson’s decision, calling it “another victory for our movement.” Starbuck opposes hiring based on race and is critical of DEI initiatives that he believes inject social issues and politics into company culture.
The move by Harley-Davidson reflects a broader trend of companies facing pressure to reevaluate their DEI initiatives. Some conservative activists question the fairness and effectiveness of policies aimed at promoting diversity and inclusivity in organizations.
As the debate around DEI initiatives continues, it raises important questions about the balance between promoting diversity and maintaining a company’s core values and mission.
