Target Reverses Its Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
On Friday, Target announced that it would be rolling back several of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including initiatives aimed at increasing representation of Black employees and carrying more products from minority-owned businesses.
The move by Target comes as part of a growing trend of companies scaling back their DEI efforts amid pressure from conservative activists and a Supreme Court ruling blocking affirmative action at colleges.
Target’s History of DEI
Target has a long history of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In 2015, the company launched a program to help Black entrepreneurs develop, test, and scale products to sell at mass retailers like Target.
In 2018, Target CEO Brian Cornell pledged to increase representation of Black employees across its workforce by 20% over the next year.
In 2020, the company promised to spend more than $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by 2025.
Recent Challenges to DEI
In recent years, conservative politicians and activists have increasingly criticized company efforts to be more inclusive.
Target has faced backlash over some of its other longstanding initiatives, such as its Pride Month collection.
In 2023, Target CEO Cornell said that backlash from conservative groups contributed to weaker quarterly sales for the company.
Target’s Decision to Roll Back DEI Programs
In a memo sent to its employees, Target said it would end its three-year DEI goals, stop reports to external diversity-focused groups, and end a program focused on carrying more products from Black- or minority-owned businesses.
The company said the move was made after “listening and learning” and that it is committed to “staying in step with the evolving external landscape.”
Reaction to Target’s Decision
Target’s decision to roll back its DEI programs has been met with mixed reactions.
Some have praised the move as a sign of the company’s commitment to neutrality and inclusion.
Others have criticized the move as a step backward for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The Future of DEI at Target
It remains to be seen what the future holds for DEI at Target.
The company says it is committed to “building a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected,” but it is unclear how it will do so without its previous DEI programs.
It is also unclear how Target’s decision will affect its customers and employees.
Only time will tell what the long-term impact of Target’s decision will be.
