Mothballed | Caterpillar changes stance on DEI policies

Heavy plant manufacturer Caterpillar, has seemingly become the latest company to succumb to pressure from social media activist Robby Starbuck, and cancel its DEI commitments.

Although Starbuck is claiming the news as another win for his ongoing campaign, Caterpillar actually decided last year to stop participating in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index ranking system, said the firm.

But it is revamping some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, telling employees via an internal letter that training programs will now be focused on "fostering high performance," and that senior management approval will be now required when choosing external speakers.

The company will also introduce new guidelines for external donations and sponsorships.

A Caterpillar representative confirmed that the firm had talked to Starbuck after he reached out about their DEI policies.

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The company still has a DEI page on its website and continues to highlight recognitions from Forbes for 2024 Best Employers for Diversity and 2024 America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity from Newsweek.

Reaction to DEI pushback

Starbuck’s apparent obsession with vehicle brands has seen him claim to have influenced the policies of John Deere, Harley-Davidson, and Ford in recent months.

Although successive companies cancelling their DEI commitments seems to suggest a trend away from promoting diversity in the workplace, there has also been a reaction from other corporate voices on the matter.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon reaffirmed his company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles, along with Cigna Group CEO David Cordani, who told shareholders that its DEI efforts "advance our business objectives and how we innovate and create solutions for employees or customers.”

Similarly, ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance expressed to investors his belief that DEI is "aligned with shareholder value and improved financial performance.”

And Mastercard's Chief Administrative Officer Tim Murphy also weighed in, stating at the company's annual meeting that it remains "committed to creating a global corporate environment where all people are treated equally and fairly and have equal access to opportunities and advancement.”