Target Halts DEI Efforts Amid Pressure From Activists, Cites Focus On Growth

Target has announced it will scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including ending its three-year DEI goals and ceasing participation in external diversity evaluations. The Minneapolis-based retailer will also halt its program to increase products from Black—or minority-owned businesses. In a company memo, a company executive cited evolving external landscapes and the company’s strategy to drive growth. This trend follows pressure from conservative activists and legal rulings, such as the Supreme Court’s decision blocking affirmative action in higher education.