Harley-Davidson ends DEI policies amid conservative pressure campaign

Harley-Davidson has announced it is ending its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program , becoming the latest company to halt such initiatives. The motorcycle manufacturer revealed the decision on Monday, Aug. 19, in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“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," Harley-Davidson said in its statement. "It is critical to our business that we hire and retain the best talent and that all employees feel welcome.”

The company clarified that it ceased using DEI practices in April 2024. This means there will no longer be “hiring quotas” or “supplier diversity spend goals,” which previously directed the allocation of funds to businesses owned by individuals from diverse backgrounds.

DEI programs have faced increasing criticism from conservative circles. Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, has been a vocal opponent, introducing legislation to eliminate federal DEI programs. He has described these initiatives as a “destructive ideology that breeds hatred and racial division.”

Harley-Davidson’s decision aligns it with other companies like John Deere and Tractor Supply, which have also recently scrapped diversity programs following online campaigns led by conservative activists.

The debate over DEI initiatives continues to be a contentious issue, both in corporate settings and political arenas. Political commentator Robby Starbuck, who has been active in advocating against DEI, praised Harley-Davidson’s move as “another win for our movement.”

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