Harley-Davidson is under fire from conservative activist Robby Starbuck, who is calling for a boycott due to the company’s “woke” policies. Starbuck, known for leading successful boycotts against other companies, criticizes Harley-Davidson for its extensive support of LGBT initiatives and DEI training programs. He claims these policies are out of touch with the brand’s traditional biker audience.
Starbuck’s criticism focuses on several key points. He highlights the company’s participation in an LGBT boot camp, its sponsorship of Pride events, and mandatory DEI training for employees. He also points to Harley-Davidson’s environmental goals, including a plan to transition to electric motorcycles by 2030, as evidence of the company’s shift away from its core values. According to Starbuck, these initiatives are alienating Harley-Davidson’s customer base, which has traditionally valued freedom and independence over corporate social responsibility.
In a series of posts on X, Starbuck accused Harley-Davidson of pushing an agenda that contradicts the beliefs of its loyal customers. He referenced a commercial where Harley-Davidson declared its commitment to diversity and inclusion, suggesting that such messages are a betrayal of the brand’s heritage. Starbuck’s campaign has already gained significant traction, drawing attention to the broader debate over corporate engagement in social issues.
Harley-Davidson has not issued a public response to the boycott call. The company’s recent efforts to promote DEI and ESG policies are part of a wider trend in corporate America.
However, the backlash from conservative customers highlights the challenges companies face in balancing social responsibility with maintaining brand loyalty. As the debate continues, Harley-Davidson must navigate these complex issues to avoid alienating its customer base while staying true to its corporate values.
