Ford Motor, $F, has said it will change its diversity, equity & inclusion program, including ending participation in an LGBTQ advocacy group's ranking system
“We are mindful that our employees and customers hold a wide range of beliefs, and the external and legal environment related to political and social issues continues to evolve,” Farley’s memo to employees read.
“Ford does not utilize hiring quotas or tie compensation to the achievement of specific diversity goals,” the letter read. “Likewise, while we continue to develop a dealer body that reflects the communities they serve, we will not use quotas for minority dealerships or suppliers.”
Culture surveys like the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, along with various "best places to work" lists, have played a significant role in corporate America. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), one of the largest LGBTQ advocacy groups in the U.S., developed the index as "a national benchmarking tool for corporate policies, practices, and benefits relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees."
In a recent statement, Farley said Ford would be shifting its focus, directing "effort and resources into taking care of our customers, our team, and our communities," instead of making public statements on "the many polarizing issues of the day." He acknowledged that global events can evoke strong emotions and affect people in different ways but emphasized the importance of treating one another with "respect and civility," despite differing opinions.
Meanwhile, conservative commentator Robby Starbuck, who claimed he was "in the middle of investigating woke policies" at Ford, suggested the automaker will also stop making donations to Pride events or other "divisive" initiatives.
"Sanity is coming for corporate America," Starbuck announced to his more than half a million followers on X.