Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, “DEI”, refers to initiatives and strategies aimed at encouraging the representation and involvement of various groups of people. DEI ensures inclusion for individuals of various ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, disabilities, genders, religions, cultures, and sexual orientations.

Following President Trump’s reversal of DEI policies in the federal government, many companies have decided to take similar actions. Companies that got rid of DEI initiatives are:

• Target
• Amazon
• Boeing
• McDonald’s
• Lowe’s
• Walmart
• Meta
• Toyota
• Walmart
• Harley-Davidson
• TractorSupplyCo.
• Nissan
• John Deere
• Ford Motor Company
• Brown-Forman

Although all of these companies decided to reverse their DEI policies, Target is the one that faced the most backlash. Civil rights activists are calling for a nationwide boycott. Even though Target was one of many companies that took away these policies, people are less concerned about these other companies than they are about Target. Part of the reason is because of Target’s prior reputation. According to Fast Company news, one person posted, “People are angrier at Target because, for the most part, they’ve been on the right side of history on a lot of issues.” In 2022, a brand research firm recognized Target as one of the top 10 brands for LGBTQ+ consumers. 

In Las Vegas, activists protested in front of Target to attack the retailer’s decision; the protest organizer Yasmin Salas said, “Honestly, it just feels like a slap in the face especially to the minorities, any minorities, not just colors it is also the LBGT community.” A lot of protestors say they feel betrayed by Target and that they will not be seen shopping there anymore.