Big Reactions as Toyota Steps Back from DEI and LGBTQ Events
Share
Toyota Motor Corp. is changing its focus, stepping back from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and LGBTQ events after facing online criticism. According to Bloomberg, the company recently sent a memo to its U.S. employees stating that it will now focus more on activities related to STEM education and job readiness.
As part of this change, Toyota will stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, which ranks companies on how LGBTQ-friendly they are.
This decision comes after anti-woke activist and filmmaker Robby Starbuck called out Toyota for supporting initiatives like funding groups against laws that ban gender transition treatments for minors, creating Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) based on race and gender identity, and sponsoring a drag queen event at a kids’ summer camp.
Starbuck praised Toyota’s move toward what he called “corporate neutrality,” sharing parts of the memo. Toyota said in the memo that it will still support an inclusive environment but will now focus on activities that help improve the business, such as professional development, networking, and volunteering.
“We will ensure that our activities align with our values and create an inclusive environment for our team members,” the memo reportedly said.
Starbuck also wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), praising Toyota for its decision. He said, “By staying neutral, Toyota is preparing for future success and not upsetting the beliefs of their customers.”
A Toyota spokesperson told Bloomberg that Starbuck’s criticism led to some employee questions, a small number of dealer concerns, and about 30 customer calls. However, the overall effect was described as minor.
The news sparked strong reactions online, with mixed opinions about Toyota’s decision to pull back from DEI and LGBTQ activities.