Nissan Motor is scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives after discussions with conservative activist Robby Starbuck, known for leading boycotts against companies like Walmart and Tractor Supply that prompted them to reduce their DEI efforts.
According to Starbuck, Nissan’s Americas unit will cease funding Pride events and eliminate hiring and promotion quotas for diverse applicants. The company’s training programs will now focus solely on business objectives, removing DEI and LGBTQ-related requirements. This shift was reportedly detailed in a letter from Jeremie Papin, the outgoing Nissan Americas chair, which Starbuck shared in a video post.
The automaker also plans to end its participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, which evaluates companies’ commitments to LGBTQ equality.
Nissan did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“As many of y’all know, I’m a Tennessean, so this one makes me particularly proud because Nissan is one of our biggest employers,” Starbuck said in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday night. “It’s my goal for every Tennessean to go to work without being bombarded with wokeness.”
Starbuck said he had informed Nissan weeks ago about plans to address their policies with his 730,000 followers on X. Instead of proceeding with public criticism, Nissan agreed to what Starbuck described as "productive conversations" and committed to making changes.
Nissan’s decision follows similar moves by other large companies, including Tractor Supply, John Deere, Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, Ford, and Walmart, all of which adjusted DEI programs after Starbuck called for boycotts on X.
Starbuck credited X’s owner Elon Musk for creating a platform that allowed these campaigns to succeed, writing, “Without @elonmusk buying X, I absolutely would have had my account banned, and none of these companies would have dropped their woke policies.”
President-elect Donald Trump has also signaled opposition to diversity initiatives. During his first term, Trump signed an executive order in 2020 aimed at limiting DEI programs and critical race theory teachings. That order was rescinded by President Joe Biden on his first day in office in 2021.
