Are there even any DEI departments left anymore?
It seems like every week another company is announcing the closure of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion departments, or scaling back their corporate activities and donations focused on social causes and deciding to spend more time on…you know, things that actually have to do with their business.
In recent months, companies like Tractor Supply and John Deere have both announced changes in their corporate policies after coming under fire for their sponsorships of things like pride parades and festivals and their participation in DEI efforts companywide.
The changes have largely come as a result of pressure campaigns by conservative activist Robby Starbuck – and his latest target was the iconic motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson.
On his Twitter, Starbuck has criticized Jochen Zeitz, the German CEO of Harley who took the job in 2020 after formerly serving as CEO of footwear brand Puma, for his role in starting an organization called “The B Team” with billionaire Richard Branson. Among its goals, The B-Team seeks to phase out fossil fuels (which is weird for a motorcycle company) and “transform food systems” by reducing emissions. The group also lists as their priorities promoting “global cooperation and inclusive representation.”
The bikers were never going to go for this. I’m surprised it lasted this long. Who’s next?
Delusions of Adequacy 