NEW YORK β Discount store chain Target said Friday that it would join rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have come under attack from conservative activists and, as of this week, the White House. Target, which operates nearly 2, stores nationwide and employs more than , people, said it already had planned to end the racial program this year.
The company said Friday that it also would conclude the diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, goals it previously set in three-year cycles. A U. Supreme Court decision that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions emboldened conservative groups to bring or threaten lawsuits targeting corporate initiatives such as employee resource groups and hiring practices that prioritize historically marginalized groups. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending DEI programs across the federal government.
The order calls for revoking all DEI mandates , policies, preferences and activities, along with the review and revision of existing employment practices, union contracts, and training policies or programs. Still, some prominent companies have resisted public pressure to retreat from their diversity plans. On Thursday, Costco shareholders rejected a proposal urging the wholesale club operator to evaluate any risks posed by its diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
Steering clear of a backlash from conservative customers and organizations is something that Target has tried to navigate for a while. But after some customers threatened to boycott Target stores, the company said that more stores would make available a single-toilet bathroom with a door that could be locked. The company decided last year not to stock Pride Month products at every U. Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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