Ford tells investors to vote against DEI and 'Net Zero' policies as years of diversity initiatives come to an end

The Ford Motor Company told its investors not to vote in favor of shareholder proposals related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In a letter to investors, Ford presented a series of proposals and voting items for shareholders to consider. The voting items included the election of its directors, which included at least three Ford family members such as Henry Ford III, the great-great-grandson of founder Henry Ford.

Other items up for vote included ratification of an independent accounting firm, a vote to approve compensation for executives, and a vote on the company's tax benefit plan.

The last two items on the voting list were labeled "a shareholder proposal relating to a Report on Supply Chain [Green House Gas] Emissions and Net Zero Goals," and "a shareholder proposal relating to a Report on DEI Strategy."

A list of voting items provided to shareholders from Ford Motor Company.

'Net Zero policies have really hurt the bottom line.'

At the same time, the company listed board recommendations for each voting item and person on the voting list. Under the column labeled "Board Recommends," Ford recommended "for," or in favor of, every single item on the list except for the net zero and DEI proposals. For those items, the company recommended "against."

Ford recommended that shareholders vote against DEI and Net Zero proposals.

"It's good to see Ford change their stance on DEI and Net Zero initiatives," said a Ford investor, who spoke to Blaze News under the condition of anonymity. "Net Zero policies have really hurt the bottom line of auto manufacturers in North America," the investor added.

It has been a long road for Ford and its DEI initiatives. In 2023, the company debuted its "very gay Raptor" truck with a commercial that showed the pickup coming out of the mud to reveal a vehicle wrap of the transgender pride flag. Then the ad showcased the phrase "redefining tough" as the transgender colors flashed through the text.

In the summer of 2024, Ford responded to activist Robby Starbuck with news that it would no longer participate in a credit system from the progressive activist group the Human Rights Campaign, nor would it make donations to gay Pride events.

Furthermore, the CEO called for respect and civility toward all ideologies.

The Human Rights Campaign responded to the announcement at the time by calling Ford "not-so-tough," mocking the usual Ford Tough motto. The HRC also said the company cowered to an "internet troll at the expense of employees and communities."

"With the LGBTQ+ community wielding $1.4 TRILLION in spending power and 30% of Gen Z identifying as LGBTQ+, we won't forget this shortsighted decision and its impact," the HRC wrote on X.

Ford's company shareholder vote closes on May 7.

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