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SCORES of shoppers are threatening to boycott huge retailers like Walmart and Target for 24 hours only later this week in response to diversity initiatives being scaled back.
President Trump wasted no time in cracking down on DEI – diversity equity and inclusion – initiatives within the federal government.
Trump claimed the initiatives are illegal and are believed to be immoral discrimination.
Major retailers and brands are gradually rolling back or examining DEI initiatives in place in light of Trump’s apparent stance.
Walmart is removing LGBTQ-related merchandise marketed towards kids, while Target is also reversing policies.
But, the approach by chains has sparked division online.
And, it’s prompted some to threaten a boycott starting on February 28 in what has been dubbed an “economic blackout.”
It would be for 24 hours only.
In a video, John Schwarz, of the People’s Union USA, said: “For decades, they have told us that we are powerless, that we have no control, and that this system is too big, too strong, too unshakeable.”
“We are going to remind them who has the power. For one day, we turn it off for one day.
“We remind them that this country does not belong to the elite; it belongs to the people, and this will work.”
Supporters of the People’s Union USA say the boycott is about solidarity.
Shoppers are being ordered to use small businesses, rather than major corporations.
Dozens of shoppers have posted online reminding social media users about the February 28 boycott.
The February 28 boycott is not the only threat Target is facing.
The retailer is at the center of calls demanding a 40 day boycott.
Which firms have dumped DEI policies after Donald Trump’s executive order?
Major brands have either ditched or are re-examining their DEI initiatives after Donald Trump cracked down at the federal level.
- Walmart
- McDonald’s
- John Deere
- Target
- Meta Platforms
- Ford
- Brown-Forman – the parent company of Jack Daniels
- Tractor Supply
- PBS
Goldman Sachs has retreated from DEI, by dropping a requirement that forced some clients to include women and members of minority groups on their board of directors.
Google has rescinded a goal in 2020 to increase representation of underrepresented groups among the company’s leadership team by 30% within five years.
Amazon said it was halting some of its DEI programs, although it did not specify which ones.
Lowe’s said the company was “reviewing” its DEI programs.
Harley-Davidson said it does not have hiring quotas and would no longer have supplier diversity spending goals
TARGET BOYCOTT
This is also in relation to the company’s apparent retreat of DEI policies.
The 40-day boycott would start on March 3 – which coincides with the start of Lent.
Target has responded to claims the company is toning down its DEI initiatives.
“For more than 20 years, Target has fueled our business by building teams with diverse perspectives and experiences, creating inclusive work and guest environments that welcome all, and developing strategies that represent the U.S. consumers we serve,” Kiera Fernandez, the company’s Chief Community Impact and Equity Officer told Retail Dive.
Walmart is among the retailers scaling back diversity initiatives.
Weeks after Trump’s victory, bosses vowed to end racial equity training for staffers.
Walmart chiefs have warned the terms LatinX and DEI will not be used in official notices.
“Like many companies all across the U.S., we’ve been on a journey,” John Furner, the Walmart US CEO, told CBS Mornings.
“We’ll continue to be on a journey. And what we’re trying to do is to ensure every customer, every associate feels welcomed here in the shop and to feel like they belong.”
Companies such as Citigroup, Google, and Meta are also changing DEI policies.
Meta has scrapped programs relating to hire candidates from diverse backgrounds, and Google chiefs confirmed they are evaluating whether to continue publishing diversity reports, per The Wall Street Journal.
Amazon and Lowe’s are also among the brands reviewing their initiatives.
