Motorcycle firm also announces withdrawal from HRC scoring of corporate equality
Motorcycle firm Harley-Davidson has revealed that it is pulling back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in a fresh blow to the DEI movement in Corporate America.
In a statement, the motorcycle firm revealed that it does not have a DEI function and has not operated one since April 2024.
"We do not have hiring quotas and we no longer have supplier diversity spend goals," Harley-Davidson also said.
It further revealed that training provided to employees will not have "socially motivated content," and will only contain legally required training mandated at Harley-Davidson.
Withdrawing from the HRC CEI
In addition, the organisation also announced that it will no longer be a part of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
"Harley-Davidson will not participate in HRC scoring going forward," it said.
The index is the "national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees.” It is the primary driving force for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion in the US, according to the HRC. Harley-Davidson was one of the 1,384 actively participating companies in the 2023-2024 survey.
Response to online backlash
Harley-Davidson made the announcement following an internal stakeholder review to "better align company activities" to the needs of the business and the community.
The company became the subject of online backlash after conservative activist Robby Starbuck said on X that the organisation has become "totally woke" under CEO Jochen Zeitz. In the X post, Starbuck outlined a list of grievances against Harley-Davidson and called on its customers to "speak out" if the company's values do not align with theirs.
"We are saddened by the negativity on social media over the last few weeks, designed to divide the Harley-Davidson community," Harley-Davidson said in response to the backlash.
"We remain committed to listening to all members of our community as we continue on our journey together as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world."
HRC: Impulsive decision
Harley-Davidson's DEI withdrawal, however, was criticised by the HRC for "putting politics ahead of workers and consumers."
"Decisions to cut Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives send a clear signal to employees that their employers simply don't care about equality in the workplace," said Eric Bloem, Vice President of Programmes & Corporate Advocacy, HRC, in a statement.
"Harley-Davidson's choice to back away from the Corporate Equality Index is an impulsive decision fuelled by fringe right-wing actors and MAGA extremists who believe they can bully their way into dismantling initiatives that help everyone thrive in the workplace."
Harley-Davidson adds to the growing list of organisations that are pulling back on DEI initiatives amid growing anti-DEI sentiments in the US. In June, retail firm Tractor Supply also announced that is eliminating roles for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
