The Target Boycott

Recently, a 40-day consumer boycott began for Target. This boycott is the result of the store’s decision to scale back its DEI policies.

What is DEI?

DEI is an acronym for “Diversity, equity and inclusion,” a set of initiatives formed as a result of the Civil Rights Movement. In more recent years, DEI has become a staple in American public schools and universities, through teaching inclusive lessons about topics from ranging how to mitigate microaggressions to identifying racism in workplaces.

Critics of DEI, such as members of the Trump administration, are against the premise of inclusivity and inclusion and are calling for the ending of DEI programs in the United States. DEI helps foster more minorities to receive places in the workforce, and it only enriches diversity.

American businessman, Mark Cuban, is an avid defender of DEI. On his personal X account, he tweeted

“The loss of DEI-Phobic companies is my gain,”. “Having a workforce that is diverse and representative of your stakeholders is good for business.” – Mark Cuban

Target’s Response

After Trump announced to the country that his administration would work on diminishing DEI initiatives around the country, Target shared that they would be doing the same in their stores and offices.

In an email sent to its employees, Target stated that it would be,

“Concluding our three-year diversity, equity and inclusion goals,” and “Concluding our Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives in 2025 as planned.” – Target

Compared to other American store chains, Target has had a reputation for being progressive and being at the forefront of creating Pride merchandise in their stores each June. As well as creating displays for Black History Month, Women’s History Month and Hispanic History Month.

In an article posted in the Charlotte Post, it states that as a result of the boycott, Target has lost over $12 billion in revenue.

Consumer’s Response

Reverend Jamal Bryant, called for a “Target fast” during Lent, beginning on March 5 to April 17.

“We’re asking people to divest from Target because they have turned their back on our community,” – Rev. Jamal Bryant

“This is a fast for accountability. A fast for justice. A fast for a future where corporations do not bow to pressure at the expense of marginalized communities,” reads a message on targetfast.org. “Turn your dollars into data, power, and change.” – Rev. Jamal Bryant

Tabitha Brown is a well-known Black celebrity with a collection in collaboration with Target. In response to the Target fast, she stated that

“…if we all decide to stop supporting said businesses and say, ‘I can’t buy nothing from there,’ the business who were affected by the DEI ban, what that does is you take all of our sales and they dwindle down.” – Tabitha Brown

What are your thoughts on the boycott? Let VALLEY know on Instagram or X @VALLEYmag!

Related

http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/the-eradication-of-dei-programs-will-harm-all-of-us/

http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/disrupting-industries-dividing-opinions-elon-musk/

http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/poppi-a-marketing-genius-or-out-of-touch/