Toyota scales back DEI support amid backlash
- In Reports
- 01:26 PM, Oct 05, 2024
- Myind Staff
Toyota Motor Corp. has announced plans to reduce its involvement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and pro-LGBTQ events after facing online criticism. This decision comes after activist Robby Starbuck criticised Toyota’s involvement in “woke” efforts, such as creating Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) based on race and gender, sponsoring a drag queen program at a children’s camp, and supporting organisations opposing laws restricting gender transition treatments for minors.
In a message to its U.S. employees, Toyota stated it would refocus community activities on STEM education and workforce readiness. The automaker also said it would no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, which ranks companies on their support for LGBTQ+ equality. Toyota reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive work environment but highlighted its new focus on initiatives that improve productivity, including team engagement, professional development, and mentorship.
Robby Starbuck praised the decision, calling it a step toward corporate neutrality. He shared parts of Toyota’s message, which emphasised aligning the company’s activities with its core values and focusing on business goals rather than controversial or political issues.
A Toyota spokesperson, however, downplayed the effect of Starbuck’s criticism, telling Bloomberg that the company received only a few hundred internal inquiries and around 30 customer calls, none of which had a significant impact on operations.
Toyota's move aligns with other major companies like Ford Motor Co., which announced in August that it would avoid addressing divisive social issues and focus more on business outcomes. Similarly, companies such as Lowe’s, Molson Coors, and John Deere have also reduced their DEI efforts in response to rising online campaigns.
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