Toyota, a prominent OEM within NASCAR, has sparked a heated debate with its recent decision to revamp its strategy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by bringing to a close its sponsorship of LGBTQ events and withdrawing from Human Rights Campaign rankings and corporate culture surveys. The HRC vice president has now spoken out with a warning for the company.
Via Bloomberg, Toyota explained this move as a response to “a highly politicized discussion” surrounding corporate commitments to DEI. Instead, the company seeks to channel its efforts towards STEM education and workforce readiness, as per an internal memo. This decision has triggered diverse reactions across the board.
Historically, Toyota has established itself as an influential force in the NASCAR space, backing drivers like Denny Hamlin and Tyler Reddick in their Cup Series championship pursuits. With over 50,000 employees in the U.S. and a sprawling network of 1,500 dealerships, Toyota’s footprint is substantial. …