Caterpillar Implements 3 Major DEI Changes After Big Anti-Woke Pushback

Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar is making significant adjustments to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies following increased scrutiny of corporate DEI initiatives nationwide.

These changes, which were communicated through an internal memo, aim to refocus corporate training and external engagements in alignment with business goals.

Key Changes in DEI Policies

Caterpillar’s revised DEI policies now require that all corporate training be closely tied to business operations.

Additionally, any participation in external surveys, awards, or bringing in external speakers will need approval from senior leadership.

“All training, both formal and informal, must be focused on our business and designed to foster high performance and execution of our enterprise strategy,” the company stated in the memo.

The policy changes aim to ensure that corporate resources, including employee time, are used efficiently.

Caterpillar emphasized that decisions to engage in external surveys or apply for awards must align with business objectives and receive written approval from the Senior Vice President, Group President, and Chief Human Resources Officer.

Robby Starbuck’s Influence

These moves come after discussions between anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck and the company regarding his plans to challenge what he described as Caterpillar’s “woke policies.”

In a social media post, Starbuck claimed that his efforts prompted these preemptive changes at Caterpillar.

Caterpillar’s leadership is also tightening rules on external speakers, requiring senior vice presidents to vet and approve speaker content to ensure alignment with the company’s broader strategic goals.

Employee Resource Groups Under Review

Caterpillar’s DEI overhaul extends to its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). The company currently offers ERGs for employees who share similar life experiences or interests, including groups based on racial and ethnic background, gender identity, disability, and more.

The new ERG guidelines will regulate external sponsorships, donations, speakers, and training to ensure they support Caterpillar’s business strategy.

“New ERG guidelines will soon be distributed that govern external sponsorships and donations, external speakers, training, and more. All ERGs will remain open to all employees,” Caterpillar wrote in the memo.

Broader Corporate Trend

Caterpillar’s DEI policy revision reflects a broader trend in corporate America. Other companies like Ford and Molson Coors have also rolled back aspects of their DEI initiatives in response to criticism.

Ford recently announced that it would not publicly comment on divisive political issues and does not use quotas in hiring.

The company also made changes to its ERGs. Meanwhile, Molson Coors eliminated DEI training after all employees completed it and removed diversity goals from executives’ compensation plans.

Both Ford and Molson Coors also discontinued their participation in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index, which gauges corporate policies for LGBTQ+ employees.

Caterpillar had already ceased participating in the index last year.

Industry Shift Away from DEI

Other corporations, such as Lowe’s, John Deere, and Tractor Supply, have similarly taken steps to revise or reduce DEI policies in recent months.

This wave of DEI retraction suggests that some companies are pivoting to a more business-focused approach amid growing backlash against “woke” policies in the workplace.

These developments underscore an ongoing shift in how corporations handle DEI policies, focusing more on business alignment rather than external social or political agendas.

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