Harley-Davidson halts diversity initiatives
US motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has announced the termination of its diversity program following backlash for being labeled “woke.” Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The well-known American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has discontinued its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program after receiving criticism from those who accused it of becoming “totally woke”.
DEI initiatives are designed to promote fair representation across all populations regardless of race, gender, or disability.
The renowned motorbike company, often associated with a tough, masculine brand identity, announced that it would shift its focus towards “retaining our loyal riding community.”
The decision comes after the company was criticized by conservative influencer Robby Starbuck last month, who has vowed to “expose” companies that implement “woke policies” and to “bring sanity back to corporate America.”
On a recent X (formerly Twitter) post, Harley-Davidson revealed plans to evaluate all collaborations and sponsorships. It emphasized a future direction “exclusively on growing the sport of motorcycling” while expressing disappointment over the recent “negativity on social media.” The company hinted at potentially ending some sponsorships, possibly including LGBTQ Pride events and its associations with the Human Rights Campaign, a prominent LGBTQ advocacy organization.
Previously, Harley-Davidson supported LGBTQ-themed initiatives and was a corporate member of the Wisconsin LBGT Chamber of Commerce. The brand faced backlash from a segment of its customer base for participating in these LGBTQ activities.
In July, Starbuck criticized the company, stating under CEO Jochen Zeitz's leadership, the brand had “gone totally woke,” as he initiated his campaign against the company's policies. In response, the Milwaukee-based company clarified that it had dissolved its DEI operations as of April 2024, and emphasized the absence of “hiring quotas” or “supplier diversity spend goals.” Starbuck applauded the firm’s move on X, calling it “another win for our movement.”
Other American companies, including rural retailer Tractor Supply and agricultural machinery manufacturer John Deere, have also retracted their diversity initiatives after facing similar activist-led campaigns. Critics argue the effectiveness of DEI programs, prompting some corporations to reconsider such policies.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
DEI initiatives are designed to promote fair representation across all populations regardless of race, gender, or disability.
The renowned motorbike company, often associated with a tough, masculine brand identity, announced that it would shift its focus towards “retaining our loyal riding community.”
The decision comes after the company was criticized by conservative influencer Robby Starbuck last month, who has vowed to “expose” companies that implement “woke policies” and to “bring sanity back to corporate America.”
On a recent X (formerly Twitter) post, Harley-Davidson revealed plans to evaluate all collaborations and sponsorships. It emphasized a future direction “exclusively on growing the sport of motorcycling” while expressing disappointment over the recent “negativity on social media.” The company hinted at potentially ending some sponsorships, possibly including LGBTQ Pride events and its associations with the Human Rights Campaign, a prominent LGBTQ advocacy organization.
Previously, Harley-Davidson supported LGBTQ-themed initiatives and was a corporate member of the Wisconsin LBGT Chamber of Commerce. The brand faced backlash from a segment of its customer base for participating in these LGBTQ activities.
In July, Starbuck criticized the company, stating under CEO Jochen Zeitz's leadership, the brand had “gone totally woke,” as he initiated his campaign against the company's policies. In response, the Milwaukee-based company clarified that it had dissolved its DEI operations as of April 2024, and emphasized the absence of “hiring quotas” or “supplier diversity spend goals.” Starbuck applauded the firm’s move on X, calling it “another win for our movement.”
Other American companies, including rural retailer Tractor Supply and agricultural machinery manufacturer John Deere, have also retracted their diversity initiatives after facing similar activist-led campaigns. Critics argue the effectiveness of DEI programs, prompting some corporations to reconsider such policies.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
