Toyota Motor Corp. is reportedly scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as its involvement in pro-LGBTQ events, following a wave of online backlash.
According to a Bloomberg report, Toyota informed its U.S. employees last week through an internal memo that it plans to “narrow community activities” to focus primarily on STEM education and workforce readiness. The company will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, which ranks businesses based on their LGBTQ+ workplace policies.
The move comes after anti-woke activist and filmmaker Robby Starbuck highlighted Toyota’s progressive initiatives, including financial support for groups that oppose laws banning gender transition treatments for minors, the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) based on race and gender orientation, and sponsorship of a drag queen program at a children’s summer camp. Starbuck had criticized these efforts, leading to the recent shift in Toyota’s approach.
In its internal communication, Toyota emphasized that while it remains committed to promoting an inclusive environment, its future community activities will be more focused on professional development, networking, mentoring, and volunteering—activities aimed at fostering business growth. The company assured employees that its new direction would align with its core values.
“We will work to ensure that the activities and events are focused on professional development, networking, mentoring and volunteering—team member engagement that drives our business,” the memo read. “Furthermore, we will work to ensure all company activities are aligned with our values and create an inclusive environment for our team members.”
The memo marks a significant shift for Toyota, signaling a more business-centric approach to its community engagement moving forward.
