Harley-Davidson is abandoning some diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, according to one company statement posted on social media site X on Monday.
The motorcycle company said it had stopped consulting the Human Rights Campaign on its indicators on the treatment of LGBTQ+ employees and that its sponsorship decisions would now be made by the company and the foundation, with a focus on “retaining our loyal riding community.”
“We do not currently have a DEI function,” the statement said, and Harley-Davidson has not had a DEI function since April.
Harley-Davidson also confirmed it rejects “socially motivated content” in recruitment quotas and training. In a statement, the brand continues to support first responders, active duty military and veterans.
The initiatives follow an online campaign by conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who has led similar battles against DEI initiatives at other companies. he release In July, he complained about a series of dissatisfaction with Harley-Davidson, claiming that “they have completely woken up.” The company also began conducting an internal stakeholder review earlier this year, the statement said.
“We are saddened by the negativity that has appeared on social media over the past few weeks and is intended to divide the Harley-Davidson community,” the statement read.
Eric Bloem, HRC’s vice president of projects and corporate advocacy, called Harley-Davidson’s decision to cut DEI programs “impulsive” and said it puts politics before the interests of workers and consumers.
Starbucks praised the move on Monday, calling it “another victory for our movement.”
Harley-Davidson’s anti-DEI sentiment follows retail chain tractor supplyIt decided in June to scrap its DEI role and withdraw its support for the LGBTQ+ community and its commitment to carbon emissions targets.
Both changes come in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to strike down affirmative action in colleges, which experts predict could have an impact on corporate hiring. Since then, Starbucks, Disney, and Target have faced legal challenges to their DEI measures targeting LGBTQ+ customers and employees.
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