- Target said Friday that it is ending multiple diversity-related programs.
- A memo said the moves help the company remain “in step with the evolving external landscape.”
- The reversal follows moves by several major retailers, including Walmart and Tractor Supply Co.
Target is the latest major retailer to reverse course on its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
In a Friday memo to staff, Target’s chief community impact and equity officer, Kiera Fernandez, said the company is ending multiple diversity-related programs, including the planned conclusion of a racial equity initiative and the end of all external diversity surveys.
Fernandez said the strategy was based on “many years of data, insights, listening and learning” to help the company remain “in step with the evolving external landscape.”
In addition, the memo said Target is renaming its “Supplier Diversity” team as “Supplier Engagement” and will evaluate its corporate partnerships.
The reversal follows moves by several major retailers in recent months, including Walmart and Tractor Supply Co., as well as this week’s sweeping new rules from President Donald Trump ordering the end of DEI programs at federal agencies.
Target has faced pressure from conservative groups over the years in response to issues ranging from what shelves toys are sold on to the company’s offering of LGBTQ+ merchandise during Pride month.
CEO Brian Cornell previously defended DEI as “good business decisions, and it’s the right thing for society, and it’s the great thing for our brand.”
Read the memo sent to Target employees:
From: Kiera Fernandez
Subject line: Belonging at the Bullseye
Hi team,
As we close the fiscal year and welcome 2025, I want to share how my team and I have been planning for the year ahead and beyond, ensuring even closer connections to our enterprise roadmap for growth.
For more than 20 years, Target has fueled our business by building teams with diverse perspectives and experiences, creating inclusive work and guest environments that welcome all, and developing strategies that represent the U.S. consumers we serve.
We’ve also deepened our understanding of how building a sense of belonging for every member of our team, guests and communities can help drive our business and strengthen our culture. So, as
we kick off the new year, we will further our commitment to growth and opportunity for all through our strategy, Belonging at the Bullseye.
Many years of data, insights, listening and learning have been shaping this next chapter in our strategy. And as a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand the importance of staying in step with the evolving external landscape, now and in the future — all in service of driving Target’s growth and winning together.
You can find more here, including details on the actions we’re taking, with the goal of driving growth. In the coming weeks and months, you’ll see me and my team continue to guide and partner across the enterprise to bring this strategy to life.
In my 23 years as a team member, there are so many things I have loved about Target and our culture. At the top of the list is our conviction to always move forward — listening, learning, growing and setting standards of excellence. I am excited about this next chapter, and confident that our business and culture will continue to be strengthened through the power of belonging.
Onward,
Kiera
If you are a Target worker who wants to share your perspective, please contact Dominick via email or text/call/Signal at 646.768.4750. Responses will be kept confidential, and Business Insider strongly recommends using a personal email and a non-work device when reaching out
