Target announced it would roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, becoming the latest company to do so after President Trump's election.
In a memo sent to employees Friday by Kiera Fernandez, Target's principal community impact and equity officer, the retailer announced its three-year DEI goals, as well as the end of its Racial Equity Action and Change (Reach) initiative. Then he announced. The company plans to end the Reach initiative this year, the memo added.
“Years of data, insight, listening, and learning have shaped the next chapter of our strategy,” Fernandez wrote in the memo, which Target shared with the public. “And as a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand the importance of stepping into the evolving external landscape now and in the future.”
The company is also ending a program focused on carrying more products from Black- and minority-owned businesses. The program was created in the aftermath of the 2020 murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
Target also does not participate in national diversity surveys, including Human Right's Corporate Equality Index, which measures company policies, practices and benefits applicable to LGBTQ+ employees.
The retail giant will also amend some of its language, renaming the “Supplier Diversity” team to “Supplier Engagement.”
“We remain focused on advancing our business by creating a sense of belonging for our teams, guests and community through our commitment to inclusion,” Target's memo said. “Belonging to everyone is an important part of our team and culture, and helps drive consumer relevance and business results.”
Target operates about 2,000 stores nationwide and employs more than 400,000 people, according to the Associated Press.
The move comes days after Trump signed an executive order to end all federal DEI programs.
Fellow superstores Walmart, McDonald's, Tractor Supply, Co.
The 2023 Supreme Court decision ending affirmative action in higher education spurred conservative movements across the country to also disband workforce DEI policies.
However, some major brands are messing up their DEI commitments.
On Thursday, Costco shareholders rejected efforts to rein in the wholesale club's DEI practices. Apple's board of directors and JPMorgan Bank's CEO have also indicated that they will uphold their corporate DEI policies.
