Goal has joined the growing list of companies and institutions, including the federal government, in withdrawing a number of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Target did not call the move a “retreat”; Instead, the retailer's announcement was carefully worded to suggest that it was simply completing a number of ongoing efforts and focusing its resources on broader goals. But Target's moves are consistent with those of companies that have made their intentions more explicit, including Tractor supply, Walmart And Lowes.
Specifically, Target said it was:
- “Graduation” it is three-Annual DEI goals originally introduced during the pandemic;
- Withdrawal from all external diversity-focused surveys, including HRC's Corporate Equality Index;
- Completion of Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives in 2025 “as planned”; And
- “Evolving” its supplier diversity team — which focused on carrying more products from Black and minority-owned companies — into the supplier engagement team to “better reflect our inclusive global sourcing process across a broad range of suppliers, including growing suppliers.” “. Our focus is on small businesses.”
The retailer also said its employee resource groups would focus on developing and mentoring all people, regardless of their background, and plans to evaluate its corporate partnerships to ensure everyone is “directly connected to our growth plan.”
“We remain focused on driving our business forward by creating a sense of belonging for our team, our guests and our communities through a commitment to inclusion,” Target said in its official announcement of the changes. “Belonging to everyone is an integral part of our team and culture, helping to drive consumer relevance and business results. In every area of our business, we continually listen, learn and adapt to prepare for long-term success.”
“Many years of data, insights, listening and learning have shaped this next chapter of our strategy,” Kiera Fernandez, chief community impact and equity officer at Target, said in a memo sent to employees on Friday, January 24 and was viewed by CNBC. “And as a retailer who serves Millions We understand every day how important it is to keep pace with the evolving external landscape, now and in the future – all in service of Target’s growth and shared success.”
Along with a host of other companies, the “external landscape” Fernandez mentions now includes the U.S. government – one of President Trump’s first moves after taking office last week was to put an end to all DEI initiatives in the federal government. A notable outlier was Costcowhich earlier this month rejected a shareholder proposal to rethink its DEI efforts.