Customers leave a Target store on November 20, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
Brandon Bell | Getty Images
Target The company said Friday it was eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including some aimed at making its employees and products better reflect customer needs.
In a memo to employees, the Minneapolis-based retailer said it would end its three-year DEI goals, stop reporting to external diversity groups like the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, and end a focus on plans to import more products from the United States.
The memo was sent to employees on Friday and was viewed by CNBC. It was written by Kiera Fernandez, chief community impact and equity officer at Target.
“Years of data, insights, listening and learning have been shaping the next chapter of our strategy,” she said in the memo. “As a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand the current and future relationship with The importance of staying abreast of the changing external environment – all to drive Target’s growth and win together.”
With the move, the Minneapolis-based discount store joins a growing list of companies, including tractor supplyFacebook parent Yuan, Walmart and McDonald’s Commitments and goals related to DEI are abandoned. Some of these companies have faced pressure from conservative activists or cited Supreme Court rulings blocking affirmative action by universities — which may not force companies to take any action on the issue.
The company’s decision also follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump almost immediately after taking office. End government DEI programs and furloughed federal officials responsible for overseeing the measures.
The diversity commitments of many companies, including Target, date back years and were reinforced in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests and the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
Four years ago, Target CEO Brian Cornell said the murder, which occurred not far from Target headquarters in his hometown, felt personal. He said that motivated him to strengthen Target’s diversity and equity efforts.
“That was probably one of my target team members,” he said at the time, recounting his thoughts while watching video of Floyd’s last breaths.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
