Motorcycle Maker Stops Participating in LGBTQ+ Scoring System
- Harley-Davidson changes DEI policy after activist pressure
- No longer participating in LGBTQ+ inclusion scoring system by Human Rights Campaign
- Ended its DEI policy in April after internal review
- Focus on retaining loyal riding community
- Stopped having spending goals for minority and women-owned suppliers
Harley-Davidson has become the latest company to change its diversity policy after facing pressure from conservative activist Robby Starbuck. The motorcycle maker announced it will no longer participate in a scoring system by the Human Rights Campaign, which evaluates companies based on their LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace. The company also ended its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy in April following an internal stakeholder review. Starbuck has targeted other companies with similar campaigns, leading them to change their DEI policies as well. Harley-Davidson will now focus on retaining its loyal riding community and no longer have spending goals for minority or women-owned suppliers.
Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Harley-Davidson’s decision to end its DEI policy and the influence of conservative activist Robby Starbuck. It also includes a statement from the Human Rights Campaign on the importance of diversity and inclusion in businesses.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article focuses on a specific event related to Harley-Davidson’s decision to change its DEI policy and includes relevant information about the company’s response. However, it also dives into unrelated territories by mentioning Robby Starbuck’s involvement and Elon Musk’s tweet without providing significant insights or evidence for their impact on the situation.
Public Companies: Harley-Davidson (HOG), Tractor Supply (null), Deere (null)
Key People: Robby Starbuck (Activist), Eric Bloem (Vice President of Programs and Corporate Advocacy at Human Rights Campaign), Elon Musk (Billionaire)
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Harley-Davidson’s decision to end its DEI policy and withdraw from the Human Rights Campaign scoring system may impact its reputation among conservative customers, potentially affecting sales and investor sentiment.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Harley-Davidson’s change in its diversity policies due to online pressure from a conservative activist, which could have financial implications for the company’s customer base and investor perception.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text. The article discusses Harley-Davidson’s decision to change its DEI policy due to online pressure from conservative activist Robby Starbuck, which can be considered as a minor impact on the company’s internal policies and public image.
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: All
Direction: Up
Magnitude: Medium
Affected Instruments: Stocks
www.wsj.com 
