Ford Motor Company announced on Wednesday that it is discontinuing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program and will no longer participate in an LGBTQ+ ranking system that has sparked controversy among many consumers. Ford is one of several U.S. corporations that have decided to move away from DEI initiatives following backlash from conservative consumers who argue that such programs promote divisive identity politics, according to Newsmax.
In a memo to employees, Ford CEO Jim Farley explained, “We recognize that our employees and customers hold a wide range of beliefs, and the external and legal environment surrounding political and social issues continues to change.”
Ford joins other companies like JPMorgan Chase, Harley Davidson, and most recently, Lowe’s, in scaling back or reevaluating their DEI policies.
The corporate focus on DEI began in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the ensuing protests, which highlighted ongoing concerns about race and gender equality in the United States. However, many companies are now reconsidering these initiatives, especially when faced with potential boycotts or shareholder pressure. For instance, Jack Daniel’s parent company faced a boycott threat, and some shareholders have argued that DEI programs constitute illegal discrimination and conflict with the corporation’s duty