Target was one of the most outspoken supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. But now, Target leadership is suddenly backtracking on their commitment to these programs. When companies invest in DEI, they invest in people.

89,000 MoveOn members have signed the petition telling Target's leadership to uphold its commitment to DEI. Will you join us?

Dear fellow MoveOn member,

Target is one of the major corporations disappointingly rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in order to align themselves with Trump's hateful agenda. Already, these efforts are harming Target's reputation as a socially conscious leader and leaving Black-owned small businesses confused about what’s on the horizon.¹

The last month has been jarring as Trump continues his crusade against diversity and inclusion. But there are also prominent companies standing their ground—Costco and Apple are defending their DEI programs, and we need Target to join them.² Target has a real chance to be a leader in this moment and do what's right.

Tens of thousands of us have already raised our voices to demand that Target bring back its DEI efforts and continue investing in initiatives that support underrepresented communities, minority-owned businesses, and inclusive hiring practices. Will you add your name to join us?

Even the daughters of Target co-founder Bruce Dayton have expressed concerns about the direction of the company, stating: "We are alarmed how quickly the business community has given in to the current administration's retaliatory threats."³ Target marketed itself as a company that celebrated the diversity of its workers, creators, and customers. It's unacceptable for executives to profit off of our communities one minute and then abandon us the next. We deserve better.

DEI programs at their core are meant to ensure that businesses like Target are welcoming, fair, and inclusive to the different workers, customers, and public that they interact with. Dayton believed in the "clear principles of happy customers and strong communities"—values that Target has now abandoned by choosing to end diversity programs.⁴

Equity initiatives transform lives, help companies and communities succeed, and lead to healthier, happier workplaces. It's up to consumers to tell Target we want them to do the right thing—for their business and for us. 

Sign the petition and then share this email with 3 friends so we can generate a surge of energy that Target's leadership simply can't ignore.

Thanks for all you do.

–Garrett N., MoveOn member

P.S. Check out my earlier email below for details on the evidence behind these critical programs.

Sources:

1. "Target Went All In on D.E.I.; Its Sudden Pullback Has Black Sellers Reeling," The New York Times, February 5, 2025
https://act.moveon.org/go/202758?t=5&akid=426335%2E40999114%2EubuLki

2. "Companies like Costco and Apple are defending their DEI programs despite nationwide pushback—These are the companies standing by their policies," Fortune, January 29, 2025
https://act.moveon.org/go/202759?t=7&akid=426335%2E40999114%2EubuLki

3. "Target cofounder's daughters 'shocked and dismayed' at retailer's DEI rollback," Business Insider, February 13, 2025
https://act.moveon.org/go/202760?t=9&akid=426335%2E40999114%2EubuLki

4. Ibid.

Target is rolling back inclusivity programs—sign the petition to tell Target's leadership to uphold its commitment to DEI!

Dear fellow MoveOn member,

For years, Target has been a leader in corporate responsibility, championing initiatives designed to empower small businesses, increase Black representation in the workforce, and make its customers feel seen. These programs aren't just good for people—they're also good for business.

Target was one of the most outspoken supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. But now, Target leadership is suddenly backtracking on their commitment to these programs.

Target's past pledges—like increasing Black workforce representation by 20%, supporting minority-owned suppliers, and donating to social justice causes—have positively impacted countless lives.⁵ Donald Trump has been targeting DEI efforts since Day 1 in office, and by caving to his divisive threats, Target is betraying the very customers who have supported its success.

When companies invest in DEI, they invest in people. Now's the time for Target to stand firm in its values, not retreat. Will you add your name to call on Target's leadership to reinstate its DEI programs?

In 2020, Target CEO Brian Cornell said George Floyd's murder by police, which took place just 10 minutes from Target's headquarters, had a personal impact on him and Target employees.⁶ This ignited a cascade of actions at the company to "advance racial equity," including establishing an executive Racial Equity Action and Change committee to "focus specifically on how we can drive lasting impact" for Black employees and customers.⁷

In the five years that have followed, Target's DEI initiatives have transformed lives. Employees have found opportunities to grow their careers in inclusive environments, customers have felt valued through inclusive marketing campaigns, and minority-owned businesses have thrived thanks to supplier diversity programs. The evidence behind these programs is overwhelming:

• Diverse companies perform better. Organizations with inclusive teams are 70% more likely to capture new markets.⁸

• Consumers care about corporate values. Studies show 76% of consumers prefer brands that commit to social equity.⁹

• Employees thrive in inclusive workplaces. Scaling back DEI leads to lower morale, higher turnover, and lost talent.¹⁰

Sign the petition now to tell Target's CEO and board of directors: Reinstate your critical DEI programs and take a stand for inclusion.

This doesn't end with Target; it's about a larger fight against corporate backpedaling on inclusivity programs. Across the country, prominent businesses from Amazon to Walmart are scaling back or ending their commitments to DEI, caving to pressure from conservative activists and, now, the White House.¹¹ It's up to us to send a clear message that inclusivity isn't optional, and companies that abandon DEI will be held accountable by customers who are paying attention.

By signing the petition, you're joining our call for Target to:

1. Fully reinstate its DEI programs with transparency about progress toward these goals
2. Publicly reaffirm its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as the company's core values
3. Continue investing in initiatives that support underrepresented communities, minority-owned businesses, and inclusive hiring practices

If you agree, add your name to the petition now. By standing together, we can remind Target that their commitment to diversity isn't just good business—it's about doing what's right.

Thanks for all you do.

–Garrett N., MoveOn member

Sources:

5. "Target was one of the most outspoken supporters of DEI. It's changed its tune," CNN, February 3, 2025
https://act.moveon.org/go/202512?t=16&akid=426335%2E40999114%2EubuLki

6. Ibid.

7. "Here are Target's Latest Actions to Advance Racial Equity," Target Brands, Inc., August 17, 2020
https://act.moveon.org/go/202513?t=18&akid=426335%2E40999114%2EubuLki

8. "What Makes an Inclusive Leader?" Harvard Business Review, September 27, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/202514?t=20&akid=426335%2E40999114%2EubuLki

9. "ANA's AIMM Research Reveals Consumers Want Brands to Commit and Not Back Down From Diversity And Inclusion Practices," ANA, October 26, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/202515?t=22&akid=426335%2E40999114%2EubuLki

10. "What Makes an Inclusive Leader?" Harvard Business Review, September 27, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/202514?t=24&akid=426335%2E40999114%2EubuLki

11. "These U.S. Companies Are Pulling Back on Diversity Initiatives," TIME, January 24, 2025
https://act.moveon.org/go/202516?t=26&akid=426335%2E40999114%2EubuLki

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