Target has announced it will roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, joining companies like Walmart and McDonald's in scaling back such initiatives amid increasing political and social pressure.
Shifting political dynamics, including conservative opposition to DEI policies and the 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in education, have prompted many corporations to reassess their commitments, AP News reported.
On Friday, Target informed employees via memo that it would end its three-year DEI goals, discontinue external reporting to groups like the Human Rights Campaign, and cease initiatives aimed at recruiting minority-owned suppliers.
This decision follows President Donald Trump's recent executive order to eliminate DEI programs across the federal government and amid growing conservative backlash against corporate diversity measures.
Target emphasized the move as a response to "evolving external landscapes" rather than a complete departure from its commitment to inclusivity.
The retailer's rollback is part of a broader trend, with other major companies like Walmart, McDonald's, and Meta similarly scaling back their DEI initiatives.
While these changes aim to avoid backlash from conservative customers and organizations, they also risk alienating progressive stakeholders and minority communities who have advocated for stronger corporate accountability on diversity.
Originally published on Latin Times
