Ford & Other Major Companies Pull Back DEI Policies, Cancel HRC Ties

Ford & Other Major Companies Pull Back DEI Policies, Cancel HRC Ties

Everything socially and politically themed is coming to a head as we get closer to the election. We know diversity, equality, and LGBTQ rights are major hot topics this time around. Some companies are pulling back from their DEI policies. DEI, or diversity, equity, and inclusion practices are implemented by organizations to ensure and catalog fair opportunities for everyone and create a sense of equality in the workplace. While these policies are not just regarding LGBTQ community members, these recent moves are seen as a result of current anti-LGBTQ political sentiments by certain sides.

This last week, an anti-DEI activist shared on X a recent memo that Ford sent out to its employees. The memo is verified as real by the company, but Ford has no comment on the situation. In Ford's memo, they state that they have taken a fresh look at its DEI policies and in light of the current “external and legal environment related to political and social issues" have stepped back from practices in place. In addition, the company has also elected to stop its participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, even though they have a history of perfect scores with HRC. HRC's Index evaluates companies on an annual basis in terms of protections and policies in place for LGBTQ employees, queer community outreach and participation, and benefits for same-sex spouses.

Ford is just the latest company to walk back from its commitment to equality. Lowes, Tractor Supply, and Harley Davidson are all on the list. Tractor Supply also cut back its efforts to provide a threshold for people of color hired to management. All of these companies have declared DEI cutbacks are due to conservative activity. They just don't want to get involved, but not getting involved is taking a side. HRC has urged consumers to be careful what companies they support with their purchases. HRC made a public post and statement against Ford's decision:

 

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A post shared by Human Rights Campaign (@humanrightscampaign)

This all comes hot off the heels of the Supreme Court ruling to overturn college affirmative action programs. A leader in the anti-DEI camp said their urging of companies to cancel DEI is not anti-LGBTQ, and that their only hope is that sexuality is not in the workplace at all, whether gay or straight. But not having these policies already caters to the straight side, no? Here is the anti-DEI post with Ford's official statement:

Here is @Ford’s full statement I received this morning. Sanity is coming for corporate America. pic.twitter.com/sqoJ8KPGHT

— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) August 28, 2024

What are your thoughts on DEI?