Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson is the latest company to back down from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, following pressure from activist Robby Starbuck, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.
Leveraging his social media influence, Starbuck, a prominent conservative activist, has criticized companies for their DEI practices. He argues that these initiatives do not align with the values of companies' largely conservative consumer bases.
Starbuck told Bloomberg that he plans to target an undisclosed company with a largely conservative customer base for his next social media campaign.
The move away from DEI policies is part of an ongoing wave of backlash against diversity programs at American companies. Tech companies such as Microsoft, Meta, and Zoom recently cut DEI programs this year, Business Insider reported in July, and law firms, including Winston & Strawn, faced lawsuits for affirmative action.
While activists like Starbuck are loudly criticizing companies and other groups, 61% of Americans support DEI practices, according to a Washington Post-Ipsos poll in April.
Starbuck told Bloomberg that he'd like to see the elimination of DEI practices and to "bring back a sense of neutrality and sanity" to American corporations. He did not respond to BI's request for comment.
Here are how some companies have cut their DEI programs following Starbuck's campaign.