In the past, Ford has been praised on multiple occasions for being an inclusive place to work, often taking the time to address social issues – actions that have earned the automaker critical acclaim as well. However, much ado has been made regarding the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices employed by several large companies these days, particularly after Harley-Davidson recently nixed its own policy following massive backlash from its fans. Now, Ford has followed suit.
According to Bloomberg, Ford has informed its employees that it will modify its DEI policies and end its participation in rankings compiled by the LGBTQ advocacy group, the Human Rights Campaign, and its Corporate Equality Index, along with various best places to work lists. Ford also informed its workers that it will spend less time commenting on polarizing issues, shift some of its sponsorships, and that will refocus its employee resource groups and open them up to all employees. “We are mindful that our employees and customers hold a wide range of beliefs,” Ford Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley wrote in an internal email obtained by Bloomberg. “The external and legal environment related to political and social issues continues to evolve.”
As one would expect, this change has already drawn its fair share of backlash, particularly from the Human Rights Campaign. HRC’s president, Kelley Robinson, released the following statement in response to Ford’s decision.
“Today, Ford Motor Company abandoned its commitment to hundreds of thousands of employees by cowering to internet troll Robby Starbuck, and signaling that inclusion and other core values are no longer a priority in the workplace,” Robinson wrote.
“After decades of commitment to inclusion and top ratings on the HRC Foundation Corporate Equality Index, the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Disability:IN’s Disability Equality Index as well as their longstanding philanthropic record funding scholarships for Hispanic students, the Human Rights Campaign could not be more disappointed to see Ford Motor Company shirking its responsibility to its employees, consumers, and shareholders.”
“By failing to support women leaders, employees of color, and LGBTQ+ employees, Ford Motor Company is abandoning its financial duty to recruit and keep top talent from across the full talent pool. In making their purchasing decisions, consumers should take note that Ford Motor Company has abandoned its commitment to our communities.”
“Ford cowered to MAGA bully and Republican-reject Robby Starbuck. Robby Starbuck is so extreme that the Tennessee Republican Party sought to distance itself from him. Starbuck’s only business experience is hawking vitamins marketed by people profiting off of COVID disinformation.”
“Ford Motor Company’s shortsighted decisions will have long-term consequences. Hastily abandoning efforts that ensure fair, safe, and inclusive work environments is bad for business and leaves Ford’s employees and millions of LGBTQ+-allied consumers behind. With nearly 30 percent of Gen Z identifying as LGBTQ+ and the community wielding $1.4 trillion in spending power, retreating from these principles undermines both consumer trust and employee success.”
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