Target CEO Brian Cornell is meeting Rev. Al Sharpton this week to address criticisms over the company's rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Following Target's January announcement to end DEI targets and decrease support for Black-owned businesses, backlash arose from civil rights organizations. Although Sharpton has not yet called for a boycott, he indicated his willingness to do so if Target does not reaffirm its commitment to the Black community. Target is facing declining store visits, which may be affected by economic trends alongside DEI decisions.
'You can't have an election come and all of a sudden, change your old positions,' Sharpton told CNBC. 'If an election determines your commitment to fairness then fine, you have a right to withdraw from us, but then we have a right to withdraw from you.'
Sharpton stated he is open to initiating a formal boycott if Target does not reaffirm its support and investment in the black community and black-owned businesses.
The controversy arose when Target announced in January it would terminate its three-year DEI targets and cease providing company reports to external groups such as the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equity Index.
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