Target is under increasing scrutiny for scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leading to significant backlash from civil rights leaders and its customer base. This week, at Target’s request, Rev. Al Sharpton is set to meet with CEO Brian Cornell—a response to growing criticism and a possible boycott being considered by Sharpton’s National Action Network.
Meanwhile, Rev. Jamal Bryant’s 40-day “fast” from Target spending is wrapping up with a community event in Atlanta that highlights Black-owned businesses and will include a town hall next week to map out future action.
The controversy follows a period of DEI pullbacks by many major companies, often in response to political or public pressure. Target, once known for championing progressive causes and promoting diverse suppliers, has struggled to maintain its stance amid backlash. In contrast to companies like Costco that have stood firmly behind DEI initiatives, Target has taken a more cautious tone—one that many loyal customers and observers now view as retreat.
Store foot traffic data from Placer.ai shows a notable decline for Target following its policy changes, especially compared to competitors like Costco and Walmart. Analysts have linked this drop in part to consumer disillusionment over Target’s perceived DEI retreat.
NYU professor Alison Taylor points out that Target’s history of vocal support for DEI has made its recent quiet shifts more jarring, especially to supporters who once viewed the brand as a leader in social responsibility. She suggests the company is now trying to recover from a misstep, but regaining lost trust may require more than behind-the-scenes substance—it may need bold, public recommitment.
In parallel, Sharpton’s group is broadening its focus, recently meeting with PepsiCo to discuss concerns over their own DEI rollback. These actions signal a potential wave of accountability efforts targeting corporations that appear to waver on diversity commitments.
