The popular retail company Target has ended its three year diversity, equity and inclusivity (DEI) goals. This has created a 40-day boycott from consumers against the store that started on March 5. People protested outside of Targets around the United States, demanding the company to follow through with the promise of being inclusive they made three years ago.
The first time Target started its DEI program was in 2016, highlighting women and people of color. In 2023, it expanded to include LGBTQ+ and employees with disabilities.
“I think people of color are affected by this because everyone brings a different background to the table,” junior Howie Bryant said.
Not only people of color, but different races, ethnicities, religions, genders and abilities are strongly affected by this change. They feel less included in things that are supposed to feel welcoming.
Former customers of Target have shifted to other retail stores and black-owned businesses, while stores like Costco and Trader Joes have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to DEI.
Junior Kynadee Wittwer thinks that “A lot of people take pride in what they support and people of color will not want to shop there anymore.”
People affected by the DEI switch are heartbroken because it has taken away their feeling of inclusivity that Target used to preach. Most people though have been going against protesting because it will just cause problems.
On Jan. 24, along with the DEI goals ending, Target also stated that it will be ending its hiring goals for minority employees. The goals included hiring more women and members of racial minority groups, including businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, veterans and people with disabilities.
Many Target employees who are affected by the DEI change may leave their job, which could lead to even less diversity in the field of employees at Target.
Costco has reportedly gained 7.7 million more visits since this Target change.
“It makes sense for people to be angry, but I think that boycotting will just cause more problems in the end,” junior Macy Bougie said.
Boycotting the popular department store has created fights and arguments that have also hurt the stores customer experiences. Black-owned businesses are pushing people not to protest target because it is causing more problems than needed.
With the 40-day boycott ending on April 17, many people will continue to not shop at Target because of the choice they made, while others will go back to shopping at their local Target store. Although Target customers and stock decreased, the overall boycott has not affected Target’s income intake.
Target has not yet taken any steps to defend themselves, which is controversial toward the companies overall appearance.
Consumers should voice their opinions and protest this corporate corruption. One active form of protesting is signing this petition to help confront Target for their evil mistakes.
