Ford is revising its diversity and inclusion policies, joining a growing list of companies adjusting their approaches in response to a changing legal and political landscape, coupled with online pressure from conservative activists.
In an email to employees on Wednesday, Ford CEO Jim Farley revealed that the company has modified certain policies over the past year.
These changes include shifting the focus of employee resource groups and discontinuing participation in external cultural surveys conducted by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy group.
Back in 2017, Ford proudly touted its recognition by HRC as one of the top workplaces for LGBTQ equality.
Right-wing activist Robby Starbuck, who shared Farley’s email on X (formerly Twitter), claimed responsibility for these changes, stating that he had pressured the automaker into reconsidering its policies.
Farley acknowledged the evolving landscape, writing, “We are mindful that our employees and customers hold a wide range of beliefs. The external and legal environment related to political and social issues continues to evolve.”
Despite these adjustments, Farley assured that Ford remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and thinking styles.
Ford’s actions align with those of other major companies like Harley-Davidson, Tractor Supply Co., and John Deere, all of which have begun to scale back or rethink their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, as well as their support for LGBTQ+ events, climate change initiatives, and other social policies.
Some companies have taken more drastic steps than Ford.
For instance, Tractor Supply announced in June that it would abandon its carbon emission reduction goals, eliminate DEI-related positions and objectives, and cease sponsoring LGBTQ+ Pride festivals and voting campaigns.
While Starbuck, a former Hollywood music video director turned conservative activist, has claimed credit for these corporate shifts, business experts caution that his influence alone doesn’t fully account for these decisions.
Many companies, they suggest, may have had only superficial commitments to diversity and inclusion, making it easier for them to retreat from these initiatives.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) sharply criticized Ford’s recent decisions, accusing the automaker of “abandoning inclusive employee policies and support” and yielding to Starbuck’s pressure.
HRC President Kelley Robinson warned that these “shortsighted decisions” could have long-term repercussions, particularly in Ford’s ability to attract and retain top talent from a broad talent pool.
Robinson urged consumers to consider Ford’s revised stance when making purchasing decisions.
In the evolving business landscape, Ford, like its peers, must navigate the fine line between responding to external pressures and maintaining a commitment to diversity—a balance that will undoubtedly shape its future.
You May Also Like: Hargreaves Lansdown Agrees to £5.4 Billion Private Equity Takeover
