Harley-Davidson Puts Diversity Initiatives on Hold
US motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has announced the termination of its diversity program following backlash for being labeled as "woke." Read Full Article at RT.com
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American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has discontinued its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This reversal makes it the latest major US corporation to pull back from initiatives often labeled as 'woke.'
DEI initiatives are designed to promote representation for individuals of varying races, genders, and abilities.
The renowned motorbike company, recognized for its traditionally masculine branding, announced it will now concentrate on "retaining our loyal riding community."
Harley-Davidson came under scrutiny after conservative influencer Robby Starbuck vowed to "expose" organizations for their "woke policies" and to "bring sanity back to corporate America."
A statement posted by Harley-Davidson on X (formerly Twitter) revealed plans to reassess its affiliations and sponsorships moving forward.
The company expressed a sole focus on "exclusively on growing the sport of motorcycling" while mentioning its disappointment with the recent "negativity on social media." They hinted at withdrawing from certain sponsorships potentially including LGBTQ Pride events and terminating its association with the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy leader.
Previously, Harley-Davidson had supported the Wisconsin LBGT Chamber of Commerce and sponsored Pride-themed activities. However, its involvement in LGBTQ initiatives had led to backlash from a section of its customer base.
In July, Starbuck criticized the company, saying under CEO Jochen Zeitz's leadership, it had "gone totally woke." Harley-Davidson clarified in its statement that it has not had a DEI department since April 2024 and does not enforce "hiring quotas" or "supplier diversity spend goals." Starbuck hailed the company's decision as "another win for our movement."
This shift mirrors actions taken by Tractor Supply and John Deere, who also retracted their corporate diversity policies following campaigns by the activist. Critics of DEI argue that such efforts to increase organizational diversity and inclusiveness are ineffective, prompting businesses to reconsider their strategies.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
DEI initiatives are designed to promote representation for individuals of varying races, genders, and abilities.
The renowned motorbike company, recognized for its traditionally masculine branding, announced it will now concentrate on "retaining our loyal riding community."
Harley-Davidson came under scrutiny after conservative influencer Robby Starbuck vowed to "expose" organizations for their "woke policies" and to "bring sanity back to corporate America."
A statement posted by Harley-Davidson on X (formerly Twitter) revealed plans to reassess its affiliations and sponsorships moving forward.
The company expressed a sole focus on "exclusively on growing the sport of motorcycling" while mentioning its disappointment with the recent "negativity on social media." They hinted at withdrawing from certain sponsorships potentially including LGBTQ Pride events and terminating its association with the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy leader.
Previously, Harley-Davidson had supported the Wisconsin LBGT Chamber of Commerce and sponsored Pride-themed activities. However, its involvement in LGBTQ initiatives had led to backlash from a section of its customer base.
In July, Starbuck criticized the company, saying under CEO Jochen Zeitz's leadership, it had "gone totally woke." Harley-Davidson clarified in its statement that it has not had a DEI department since April 2024 and does not enforce "hiring quotas" or "supplier diversity spend goals." Starbuck hailed the company's decision as "another win for our movement."
This shift mirrors actions taken by Tractor Supply and John Deere, who also retracted their corporate diversity policies following campaigns by the activist. Critics of DEI argue that such efforts to increase organizational diversity and inclusiveness are ineffective, prompting businesses to reconsider their strategies.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
