Move On – February 6, 2025

Posted on February 6, 2025

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

Dear 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.1 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?

Tell Target: Uphold your commitment to inclusion and reinstate DEI programs!

Sign the petition

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.2 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.3

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.4
  • Consumers care about corporate values. Studies show 76% of consumers prefer brands that commit to social equity.5
  • Employees thrive in inclusive workplaces. Scaling back DEI leads to lower morale, higher turnover, and lost talent.6

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.7 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:

1. “Target was one of the most outspoken supporters of DEI. It’s changed its tune,” CNN, February 3, 2025
https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/03/business/target-dei-walmart-amazon/index.html

2. Ibid.

3. “Here are Target’s Latest Actions to Advance Racial Equity,” Target Brands, Inc., August 17, 2020
https://corporate.target.com/news-features/article/2020/08/reach

4. “What Makes an Inclusive Leader?” Harvard Business Review, September 27, 2023
https://hbr.org/2023/09/what-makes-an-inclusive-leader

5. “ANA’s AIMM Research Reveals Consumers Want Brands to Commit and Not Back Down From Diversity And Inclusion Practices,” ANA, October 26, 2023
https://www.anaaimm.net/press-release/anas-aimm-research-reveals-consumers-want-brands-to-commit-and-not-back-down-fromdiversity-and-inclusion-practices

6. “What Makes an Inclusive Leader?” Harvard Business Review, September 27, 2023
https://hbr.org/2023/09/what-makes-an-inclusive-leader

7. “These U.S. Companies Are Pulling Back on Diversity Initiatives,” TIME, January 24, 2025
https://time.com/7209960/companies-rolling-back-dei/

You’re receiving this petition because we thought it might interest you. It was created on MoveOn.org, where anyone can start their own online petitions. You can start your own petition here.

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