Customer exited a Target store in Austin, Texas on November 20, 2024.
Brandon Bell | Getty Images
Target It said Friday it was rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, including some aimed at making its workforce and merchandise better reflect its customers.
In a memo sent to employees, the Minneapolis-based retailer said it would end its three-year DEI goals and stop reporting to external diversity groups such as the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index campaign ) report and ended a plan to carry more products. Black or minority owned businesses.
The memo was sent to staff on Friday and reviewed by CNBC. It was written by Kiera Fernandez, Target’s chief community impact and equity officer.
“Years of data, insights, listening and learning have been shaping the next chapter in our strategy,” she said in the memo. “As a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand what’s relevant now and in the future. The importance of consistency in the external landscape of development – all in service of driving growth and winning.”
With the move, Minneapolis-based Discounter joins a growing list of companies tractor supplyFacebook Parents Yuan,,,, Walmart and McDonald’s This has reduced DEI-related commitments and goals. Some of these companies have encountered pressure from conservative activists or cited Supreme Court affirmative action rulings in colleges, which may not force the companies to do anything about the issue.
The company’s decision also follows President Donald Trump’s executive orders immediately following his inauguration, Ending government DEI programs and put federal officials overseeing these initiatives on leave.
Many companies’ diversity commitments, including Target’s over the years, have intensified in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests and the 2020 murder of George Floyd.
Four years ago, Target CEO Brian Cornell said the murder, just a short distance from Target’s headquarters in his hometown, felt personal. He said that prompted him to step up his goals for diversity and equity efforts.
“That would have been one of my target team members,” he said at the time, watching video of Floyd and recounting his thoughts.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
