Harley-Davidson announced plans to review its DEI policy, discontinue certain diversity goals, and shift focus to employee development and loyalty, following recent social media backlash and a decision to move more production to Thailand. (Shutterstock)
- Harley-Davidson to review its DEI policy after backlash, ending participation in Human Rights Campaign scoring system.
- The company emphasizes no hiring quotas; DEI function inactive since April 2024.
- Harley-Davidson shifts non-core model production to Thailand, sparking union concerns over U.S. job security.
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Harley-Davidson announced early Monday on X that it is reexamining its DEI policy.
The company acknowledged a negative backlash on social media, attributing it to attempts “to divide the Harley-Davidson community.”
We remain committed to listening to all members of our community as we continue on our journey together as one Harley-Davidson. United We Ride. pic.twitter.com/0feGYhTUMh
— Harley-Davidson (@harleydavidson) August 19, 2024
In the announcement, Harley-Davidson emphasized that its leadership’s role is to cultivate a workforce that reflects its customers and the regions in which it operates. The company reiterated its commitment to hiring and retaining top talent while ensuring all employees feel welcome.
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The company clarified that it does not enforce hiring quotas or supplier diversity spending goals. Additionally, it noted that the DEI function has not been active since April 2024.
Looking ahead, Harley-Davidson said it plans to assign executive management to each group, focusing exclusively on professional development, networking, and mentoring.
The company will also review all sponsorships and affiliations under the Harley-Davidson Foundation, with an emphasis on promoting motorcycling and retaining loyal riders. Harley-Davidson reaffirmed its support for first responders, active military members, and veterans.
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In addition, the company said that it will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign scoring system. Harley-Davidson said that employee training will be tailored to business needs, avoiding socially motivated content, with only legally required training remaining mandatory.
Harley-Davidson Moves More Production to Thailand
This announcement comes as Harley-Davidson plans to shift more production from the United States to its facilities in Thailand, according to a report by InBusiness Madison.
The decision has sparked frustration among union workforces in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, who expressed concerns that the move could hurt U.S. suppliers and potentially lead to job losses at the company’s domestic plants. However, Harley-Davidson stated that employment at its U.S. facilities will not be affected.
The company also announced plans to invest $9 million in its U.S. manufacturing facilities, building on an $89 million Department of Energy grant, to enhance their capabilities and core product capacities.
Production of Harley-Davidson’s higher-end touring bikes, trikes, and Softail models will remain in the U.S., while the production of non-core models equipped with the Revolution Max powertrain will temporarily shift to Thailand.
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