Target Founders' Daughters Sound Alarm Over Diversity Rollback
NEW YORK - The daughters of Target co-founder Bruce Dayton have expressed concern over the discounter's decision to scale back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In published letters to The Financial Times and Los Angeles Times, Anne and Lucy Dayton stated that their father, along with his brothers, built Target on principles of customer focus and community well-being.
They emphasized that businesses have the right to operate according to ethical and business standards and voiced concern about companies yielding to pressure from conservatives and the White House.
"By capitulating, Target and others undermine the principles integral to their success," they wrote.
Target has not immediately responded to requests for comment.
In January, Target announced changes to its "Belonging at the Bullseye" strategy, including ending a program designed to support Black employees and shoppers. The company also indicated plans to conclude its previous three-year DEI goals.
Other notable companies such as Walmart, McDonald's, Ford, Goldman Sachs, and John Deere have reduced or eliminated DEI commitments in recent months.