Harley-Davidson are the last brand you’d expect to go woke, unless there’s a vast, untapped reservoir in the ‘Dykes on Bikes’ market. No doubt having seen just how swimmingly going woke has gone for other quintessentially American masculine brands, from Budweiser to Gillette, Harley are cutting the DEI bullshit before it’s too late.
Harley-Davidson, facing backlash and social media outrage, is making significant changes to its diversity and inclusion policies.
In response to growing concerns and recent social media backlash, Harley-Davidson issued a statement clarifying its stance on diversity, inclusion and its ongoing commitment to its community. The company, which has been a cornerstone of the motorcycling world for over 120 years, emphasized its guiding principle of “United We Ride,” a philosophy that underscores its dedication to welcoming riders from all backgrounds.
Mostly, of course, middle-aged flogs who seem to think that paying the deposit for a small house on a piece of poorly performing and noisy junk somehow makes them badass. Brub-rub-rub-rub!
Harley-Davidson expressed disappointment over the negativity that surfaced on social media, aimed at dividing its loyal community.
Because it’s not as if pandering to a bunch of rainbow soyjaks who’re too gay to even ride a Harley was divisive at all.
According to the statement made by the company’s official Twitter account earlier this year, Harley-Davidson conducted a comprehensive internal review to ensure its activities were in alignment with the needs of both its business and its diverse community.
As a result of this review, the company made significant changes, particularly concerning its approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
Fast forward just a couple of months, and they’ve dropped it faster than a pair of leather chaps at a Pride parade..
Harley-Davidson announced it discontinued its DEI function as of April 2024 and no longer operates under DEI guidelines. The company also clarified that it does not enforce hiring quotas or supplier diversity spend goals.
However, Harley-Davidson remains committed to building an employee base that reflects the diversity of its customers.
So, they’ll be hiring ageing Boomers and middle-aged lesbians?
Harley-Davidson is also taking steps to centralize its sponsorships and affiliations, ensuring all such activities are approved and managed through the company or the Harley-Davidson Foundation.
The company’s renewed focus will be on growing the sport of motorcycling, supporting its loyal riding community and continuing its long-standing tradition of backing first responders, active military members, and veterans.
In line with these changes, Harley-Davidson announced it will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) scoring system, signaling a shift in how it engages with external organizations.
Furthermore, Harley-Davidson addressed concerns regarding its employee training programs. The company reiterated only legally required training has ever been mandatory for its employees and future training initiatives will be strictly business-focused, free from socially motivated content.
Which is all it ever should have been – for any business.
Harley aren’t the only company backpedalling away from the DEI bullshit as fast as they can.
Tractor Supply recently announced it was eliminating jobs and goals focused on diversity, equity and inclusion; withdrawing its carbon emission reduction goals; and ending sponsorships for LGBTQ+ Pride festivals and voting campaigns. John Deere announced it will no longer sponsor “social or cultural awareness” events and would audit all its training materials.
May it be just the beginning of a return to corporate sanity.
