Additional Coverage:
Target Faces Extended Boycott Over DEI Backtrack
Target continues to grapple with the fallout from its decision to scale back its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The move, announced in a company memo following the election of President Donald Trump, cited the need to adapt to the “evolving external landscape.” This decision sparked a boycott initiated by Black clergy members during Lent.
Organizers, including Nina Turner of the advocacy group We Are Somebody, Rev. Jamal Bryant, and activist Tamika Mallory, met with Target executives after Easter.
However, the meeting proved unproductive, leading to calls for an indefinite extension of the boycott. Turner criticized Target for breaking its promises to the Black community, stating that the boycott will continue and grow into a broader coalition.
The movement has inspired similar action within the Latino community, with a “Latino freeze” encouraging a boycott of the retailer. Dr. Michael Galvez, co-organizer of the freeze, expressed his concern over Target’s abandoned initiatives.
The boycotts appear to be impacting Target’s bottom line, with foot traffic declining for 11 consecutive weeks. Conversely, Costco, which has publicly defended DEI initiatives, has seen a steady increase in customer traffic.
Target’s shift on DEI comes after a 2020 commitment to increase its Black workforce by 20% and dedicate $10 million to social justice initiatives following the murder of George Floyd. A Target spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all stakeholders, emphasizing its focus on supporting the communities where it operates. However, the ongoing boycotts suggest that Target faces a significant challenge in regaining the trust of diverse communities.