Harley-Davidson announces end to DEI policies following social media criticism

WASHINGTON (TND) — Harley-Davidson announced Monday it has stopped utilizing certain diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The motorcycle company wrote in an open letterit no longer has hiring quotas or spending goals for diverse suppliers.

“We see it as every leader’s role to ensure we have an employee base that reflects our customers and the geographies in which we operate. It is critical to our business that we hire and retain the best talent and that all the employees feel welcome,” the letter reads.

“That said, we have not operated a DEI function since April 2024, and we do not have a DEI function today,” it continues.

Harley-Davidson’s announcement came less than a month after Robby Starbuck, an activist who has campaigned against other businesses’ DEI policies, accused the company in a social mediapost of becoming “totally woke.”

He wrote that Harley-Davidson had a “total commitment” to DEI and was “openly working” to have fewer White employees and suppliers.

“We are saddened by the negativity on social media over the last few weeks, designed to divide the Harley-Davidson community,” the manufacturer wrote in its letter. “As a Company, we take this issue very seriously, and it is our responsibility to respond with clarity, action and facts.”

Starbuck took responsibility for effecting the change.

“You can be sad all you want, Harley, but we get results, we got results, and your sadness really doesn’t matter,” he said.

Harley-Davidson added that it began an internal stakeholder review to better align itself to its needs and those of its community.

“Taking a victory lap is an important psychological step. We are building the understanding when we use our voices, they will change. Period,” Starbuck said. “That is the psychological reality that we built. So, take that victory lap, make sure that everybody knows that conservatives won again.”

Several studies from researchers affiliated with institutions like Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania have found that DEI policies can benefit companies.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.