Target will not have a presence at 2025 Twin Cities Pride after rolling back DEI efforts – KARE11.com
Next up in 5Example video title will go here for this videoNext up in 5Example video title will go here for this videoMINNEAPOLIS — Target will not have a presence at the Twin Cities Pride festival and parade after the company announced it was ending its diversity efforts. Target said Friday that it would join rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have come under attack from conservative activists and, as of this week, the White House. Twin Cities Pride festival organizers confirmed Target would not have a presence at next year’s event on social media.The Associated Press reports Target’s DEI goals had included hiring and promoting more women and members of racial minority groups, and recruiting more diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, veterans and people with disabilities.Twin Cities Pride has been sponsored by Target, the Minneapolis-based retailer. In a post on social media, Twin Cities Pride said they are “deeply disappointed in their announcement.” “Target executives have been in touch with Twin Cities Pride about changes to the company’s DEI programs. We are working through what this means for the LGBTQ+ community and the long-standing partnership between Target and our organization. We will keep the community informed about any crucial updates that come from these discussions,” said Andi Otto Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride in the social media statement. Walmart, McDonald’s , Ford, Harley-Davison and John Deere are among the well-known consumer brands that reduced or phased out their DEI commitments in recent months, the AP reports. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending DEI programs across the federal government. The order calls for revoking all DEI mandates, policies, preferences and activities, along with the review and revision of existing employment practices, union contracts, and training policies or programs.
