Harley-Davidson has “not operated a DEI function” since April 2024 and does not have one currently, the company revealed earlier this week. Harley-Davidson does not have hiring quotas and no longer has supplier diversity objectives, the company added in its Aug. 19 statement shared on X. HR Dive reached out for comment and did not hear back by the time of publication.
Reports of backlash against the motorcycle company surfaced in July.
“We are saddened by the negativity on social media over the last few weeks, designed to divide the Harley-Davidson community,” the statement read. The motorcycle company does not reference Robby Starbuck by name, but many sources, from The Guardian to Bloomberg News, attribute the changes to the anti-DEI influencer.
Starbuck led the boycott against Tractor Supply for its DEI policies, and claimed primary responsibility for the campaign’s effectiveness and end result.
The activist launched his campaign against HD on July 23 via X. Among his complaints were:
- Claims that the company supported the Equality Act
- Claims that the company funded a “rage room” visit during a Pride event
- Claims that the company provided training on how to be an LGBTQ+ ally
- Claims that the company sponsored an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur bootcamp
- Claims that the company has employee resource groups
- Claims that the company participates in the Human Rights Campaign corporate scoring
In its August statement, Harley-Davidson expressed the intent to “respond [to the controversy] with clarity, action and facts.” The X post said that the motorcycle company had “initiated an internal stakeholder review” earlier this year, in order to reassess which company activities were aligned with their business goals.
Harley-Davidson underscored it “will be providing executive management to each [business employee resource] group to exclusively focus on professional development, networking and mentoring.” Leadership also promised to review all current and future sponsorships and affiliations more closely.
We remain committed to listening to all members of our community as we continue on our journey together as one Harley-Davidson. United We Ride. pic.twitter.com/0feGYhTUMh
— Harley-Davidson (@harleydavidson) August 19, 2024
Finally, along with declining to participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, Harley-Davidson highlighted that the only L&D that has ever been required has been compliance training.
“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,” Harley-Davidson concluded.
