Nissan Motor Co. scales back diversity efforts after meeting with conservative activist Robbie Starbuck, who led a successful boycott that forced major companies like Walmart and Tractor Supply to cut their DEI programs I plan to.
Starbucks says the Japan-based automaker's Americas division will stop funding Pride events and cancel hiring and promotion slots for diverse applicants.
Nissan's employee training will eliminate DEI and LGBTQ training requirements, according to a letter apparently sent to employees Wednesday by outgoing Nissan Americas chairman Jeremy Papin, as seen in Starbuck and video. The company plans to focus on business issues such as:
The company will also end its participation in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, which tracks employers' commitment to LGBTQ equality policies.
Nissan did not respond to requests for comment.
“As you all know, I'm a Tennessean, and I'm especially proud of this because Nissan is one of our largest employers,” Starbuck said in a video posted to X late Wednesday. That's why,” Starbuck said in a video posted to X late Wednesday. Tennesseans can go to work without waking up. ”
A few weeks ago, Mr. Starbuck told Nissan he planned to speak to X's 730,000 loyal “anti-woke” followers about his company, and in return the company agreed to a “productive conversation.” He said he promised some important changes. post.
Nissan's DEI reversal is just the latest reversal following similar changes by major red-state employers in the United States, including Tractor Supply, John Deere, Harley-Davidson, Lowe's, Ford, and Walmart, all of which Starbucks threatened to boycott X.
Starbucks' X account is his largest social media page to follow, and he praised X owner Elon Musk for fostering a welcoming environment for the “anti-woke” boycott.
“If @elonmusk hadn't bought X, I definitely would have had my account banned and none of these companies would have abolished their wakefulness policies,” Starbuck wrote in a post about X late Wednesday. I wrote it.
President-elect Donald Trump has also expressed a desire to rein in diversity efforts. During his first term in 2020, Trump signed executive orders that could roll back DEI initiatives and critical race theory teachings. In 2021, President Joe Biden rescinded the order on his first day in office.
Just last year, Nissan touted its extensive DEI efforts.
“Nissan America's DEI efforts strengthen our tradition of always boldly doing what others won't,” Papin said in the Japanese automaker's 2023 diversity report. .
Chandra Vassar, Nissan's chief DEI officer, said in the same report, “Other companies may shy away from DEI, but at Nissan, DEI is at the forefront, starting on an employee's first day.” I'm writing.
Nissan is not the first company to stop participating in an HRC investigation under Starbucks' influence. Nissan highlighted its commitment to benefits for LGBTQ employees in its 2023 diversity report.
Papan will begin his new role as Nissan's chief financial officer on January 1, while Christian Meunier will become Nissan's chairman in the United States.
Meanwhile, Nissan is reportedly aiming to merge with Honda, with both companies reportedly trying to counter increasing competition in electric vehicles from Chinese EV makers and Musk's Tesla, and regulations in Japan. facing increased scrutiny.
