Target Ends Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
Target, the Minneapolis-based retailer, has announced that it will be ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program this year. This decision comes amid severe scrutiny from conservative groups and follows a trend of major companies rolling back their DEI policies.
The retailer’s decision to end its DEI program has been met with criticism, with some noting that its reputation for inclusiveness has helped it attract a younger, more diverse consumer base. “For Target, with an inclusive audience, this is their version of brand suicide,” said Eric Schiffer of Reputation Management Consultants.
Target has also announced that it will be ending its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives, which aimed to invest over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025. The initiative included plans to add more than 500 Black-owned brands and a funding program to increase exposure of diverse-owned brands through paid media.
The retailer has instead changed its “Supplier Diversity” team to “Supplier Engagement” in a bid to better reflect its inclusive global procurement process.
DEI programs, designed to promote opportunities for women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, and other traditionally underrepresented groups, gained traction after nationwide protests in 2020 over police shootings of unarmed Black people. However, they have been criticized by Trump and conservative groups as being discriminatory against other Americans and for undermining merit in hiring and promotion.
Target’s decision to end its DEI program has sparked criticism from some, including Congressman Sylvester Turner, who said, “Target is making a mistake by ending its DEI goals with its customer base being highly diverse.”
The company’s workforce diversity report shows that the retailer’s workforce comprises 56% female employees and 43% male employees, with a similar racial and ethnic distribution. The company’s stores also host LGBTQ-related goods during Pride month, attracting a more diverse customer base than its rival Walmart.
In a statement, Target’s chief community impact and equity officer Kiera Fernandez said, “Many years of data, insights, listening and learning have been shaping this next chapter in our strategy. It’s important to stay in step with the evolving external landscape.”
