Harley-Davidson Drops DEI Policies Amid Social Media Backlash

Harley-Davidson has made the decision to end its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, following mounting pressure from conservative activists and negative attention on social media.

The iconic motorcycle company announced this significant shift on Monday, August 19, signaling a departure from its previous commitments to promoting inclusivity in its workforce and business operations.

Harley-Davidson Ends DEI Initiatives

The decision aligns Harley-Davidson with other major companies like John Deere & Co. and Tractor Supply, which also recently discontinued their diversity programs. This move marks a broader trend among corporations responding to growing criticisms of DEI efforts from certain segments of the public, CBS News reported.

In a statement released on the social media platform X, Harley-Davidson confirmed that it has not had a DEI program in place since April 2024.

The Milwaukee-based company clarified that it has discontinued its use of hiring quotas and has eliminated its "supplier diversity spend goals," which were previously aimed at supporting businesses owned by individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Additionally, Harley-Davidson will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) scoring system, which evaluates companies on their LGBTQ+ policies.

The company also plans to remove socially driven content from its employee training programs, opting instead to focus on content that meets only legal requirements. This shift suggests that Harley-Davidson is moving away from actively promoting social causes within its corporate structure.

The company's changes come in the wake of a growing wave of criticism from conservative activists who argue that DEI initiatives are politically motivated and divisive.

Harley-Davidson Responds to Boycotts, Criticism Over DEI Policies

According to USA Today, some activists have even called for boycotts of Harley-Davidson, accusing the company of pushing a progressive agenda through its support of LGBTQ+ initiatives and related employee training.

In its official announcement, Harley-Davidson expressed disappointment over what it described as a rise in negative discourse on social media, which it believes is aimed at causing division within its community of riders and employees.

Despite stepping back from DEI policies, the company reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the sport of motorcycling and supporting its long-standing initiatives for first responders, active military members, and veterans.

Robby Starbuck, a conservative commentator and critic of DEI efforts, has been a vocal opponent of Harley-Davidson's previous diversity policies. He has argued that such policies prioritize race or gender over merit and unnecessarily politicize the workplace. Starbuck praised Harley-Davidson's recent decision, calling it a victory for those who oppose the influence of social issues on corporate culture.

Critics argue that these programs can lead to reverse discrimination and undermine merit-based decision-making, while supporters contend that they are crucial for creating equitable and inclusive work environments.