American motorcycle powerhouse Harley-Davidson has kicked diversity, equity and inclusion to the curb, adding to the list of companies abandoning the initiative.
The Milwaukee-based firm announced in a Monday post on X that the end of its DEI operation came months ago.
“It is critical to our business that we hire and retain the best talent and that all employees feel welcome,” the statement said. “That said, we have not operated a DEI function since April 2024, and we do not have a DEI function today. We do not have hiring quotas and we no longer have supplier diversity goals.”
In the statement, Harley-Davidson implied that its rejection of DEI came after considerable online backlash. The company also said it would reevaluate its training initiatives and review its sponsorships and affiliations.
“We remain committed to listening to all members of our community as we continue on our journey together as the most desirable motorcycle brain in the world,” the company said.
Among other companies, tractor manufacturer John Deere said it would discontinue its DEI division after significant social media backlash. Tractor Supply Co. also slashed its DEI and climate goals after a conservative pressure campaign.
DEI programs are intended to eliminate racist or sexist practices in the workplace. While the programs have existed for decades, private companies greatly increased the scope of their DEI initiatives in the wake of the George Floyd protests in 2020.
Conservative activists and politicians say the programs increase division in the workplace and are fundamentally unfair.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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