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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Target is facing a 40-day boycott starting today, led by Rev. Jamal Bryant, over the company’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies
• The retailer recently eliminated hiring goals for minority employees and ended a racial justice executive committee
• Critics call this a betrayal of the communities that have long supported Target (See sustainability performance)
🔭 The context: Target was a leader in DEI efforts after George Floyd’s murder in 2020 but has now scaled back its initiatives in response to conservative legal pressure and Trump administration scrutiny
• The company is under more pressure than competitors like Walmart because of its historically progressive branding
• Some worry the boycott could also hurt Black-owned businesses that rely on Target for distribution
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: DEI policies impact corporate responsibility and economic equity, especially for minority-owned businesses and employees
• Target’s retreat highlights a wider shift among Fortune 500 companies amid growing political and legal battles over DEI
• The outcome of this boycott could set a precedent for corporate diversity commitments
⏭️ What's next: The boycott coincides with Lent and a tough economic period for Target, which expects only 1% sales growth this year
• Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs on Mexico may soon raise prices on fruits and vegetables, adding to Target’s struggles
• The company is trying to reassure customers of its commitment to inclusivity while navigating financial pressures
💬 One quote: “We’re asking people to divest from Target because they have turned their back on our community.” — Rev. Jamal Bryant, boycott organizer
📈 One stat: Black consumers spend $12 million daily, making their purchasing power a key factor in the boycott’s potential impact
See here detailed sustainability performance of Best Buy Co., Decathlon and Target
Click for more news covering the latest on diversity & inclusion
