HOUSTON, Texas (KPEL News) - Over the last few months, several major American companies have walked back efforts to include what is commonly referred to as DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in their hiring and corporate practices.

Those efforts, which were meant to increase minority representation in the workforce, boardroom, and in product offerings, have been widely criticized throughout Texas and several other parts of the country. One retailer with a big Texas presence, however, is joining others in scrapping those initiatives.

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Target, which has been at the center of several social controversies - particularly around Pride Month offerings and gender-neutral bathrooms - has decided to roll back some of those DEI initiatives that have been under fire, according to a company memo.

What’s Changing at Target?

The Minneapolis-based company is no longer planning to pursue its three-year DEI goals. This will include discontinuing participation in external diversity assessments like the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, as well as terminating efforts to expand offerings from Black- and minority-owned businesses.

Target’s Chief Community Impact and Equity Officer, Kiera Fernandez, said in the memo that years of data and analysis contributed to this strategic pivot.

“As a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand the importance of staying in step with the evolving external landscape,” she explained.

Despite the rollback, Target emphasized that no layoffs would result from the changes, providing some reassurance to employees across its Louisiana locations, including stores in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.

The National Trend and Local Impacts

Target joins a list of major corporations, such as Walmart and McDonald’s, that have scaled back DEI commitments. Some analysts suggest that the recent Supreme Court ruling striking down affirmative action policies in higher education may have influenced corporate DEI strategies.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Louisiana shoppers, particularly in very diverse markets like Acadiana, Baton Rouge, and the Greater New Orleans areas, may notice shifts in the retailer’s product offerings, which previously showcased an increasing range of items from minority-owned brands.

Target had initially committed to spending over $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by 2025, but it seems that goal will no longer be a priority.

Backlash and Corporate Adjustments

Target has faced conservative backlash in recent years over DEI and social justice initiatives. This includes its Pride Month collections, which sparked controversy and reportedly contributed to lower sales as shoppers boycotted the store. The company responded by adjusting its marketing strategies while maintaining support for heritage months (such as Black History Month).

In Louisiana, which has a diverse array of shoppers and cultures, the scaling back of these initiatives may resonate differently. Much of the state is conservative, though there are large populations of minority shoppers in metro areas like Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The rollback could resonate poorly with shoppers in those areas.

What’s Next for Target in Louisiana?

Despite the DEI rollback, Target has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity in a broader sense, and Louisiana shoppers can expect continued community engagement efforts (though the company may take a less aggressive approach).

As DEI initiatives become an increasingly polarizing topic, retailers like Target are having to navigate changing consumer expectations throughout the country, and it's hard to tell how Louisiana shoppers may react to these changes.

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