Harley-Davidson Ends Diversity, Equity Initiatives

Harley-Davidson has announced the discontinuation of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, marking a significant retreat from previous policies amid pressure from conservative activist Robby Starbuck. The company stated that it has not operated a DEI function since April 2024 and will no longer set hiring quotas or supplier diversity goals. This decision follows a successful boycott campaign led by Starbuck, who has previously influenced similar changes at other major corporations. While Starbuck celebrated this victory, he expressed skepticism about Harley's future sponsorship policies, which will now focus on motorcycle-related activities and support for military and veterans. The backlash against DEI initiatives reflects a broader trend, as many companies have faced scrutiny for adopting progressive policies that some argue do not align with their customer base. Despite this, a significant portion of the public still supports DEI practices, indicating a complex and divided response to corporate social responsibility initiatives.