Faith Leaders Launch 40-Day Target Boycott to Counter Diversity Backlash
Washington, D.C. – 40-Day Boycott of Target
Prominent Black faith leaders have initiated a nationwide campaign calling on pastors to join a 40-day boycott of Target, commencing on Ash Wednesday (March 3rd). The boycott aims to challenge companies that have rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under President Donald Trump’s executive orders.
According to Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, "We must convey to corporate America that abandoning diversity has consequences. Let us collectively declare that if corporate America cannot stand with us, we will not stand with corporate America."
This campaign is part of a larger movement led by civil rights groups, faith leaders, and advocates targeting companies that have retreated from DEI programs. They contend that these initiatives benefit all employees by eliminating biases in hiring and promotions, ensuring equal opportunities for success.
Target’s Rollback of DEI Initiatives
Target is among several companies that have curtailed their DEI initiatives following Trump’s executive order. The move has sparked outrage among diversity advocates who argue that these programs promote fairness and equality in the workplace.
The Boycott Campaign
Faith leaders launched the boycott campaign at Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., a historic Black church. The boycott will begin on Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer and penance leading up to Easter.
Bishop Jackson emphasized, "If our diversity is not valued, our money is not valuable."
Support for Companies with Continued DEI Programs
In recent weeks, organizations have emerged to support businesses that maintain their DEI programs, such as Costco. Conversely, others have advocated for boycotts against companies that have reversed these initiatives, including Target.
Consumer Power as a Form of Protest
Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, a professor of Constitutional Law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, asserts that "selective buying has been an effective form of protest." She argues that consumers can influence corporate decisions by directing their spending.
The Role of Anti-DEI Boycotts
Anti-DEI boycotts have proven successful in recent years, including one against Target, which prompted the company to reduce its Pride merchandise and relocate displays to less visible areas of its stores.
Trump Supporters’ Opposition to DEI
Trump supporters have denounced DEI programs as part of the so-called "woke" culture and have pressured companies to align with the administration’s position.
Faith Leaders’ Criticism of Corporate Leaders
Bishop Jackson criticized corporate executives who have abandoned DEI programs in order to appease Trump. He vowed that the boycott will ensure "that our money doesn’t go in their pockets."
The Future of DEI
Advocates for DEI are determined to push back against the erosion of these initiatives. Pastor William Lamar of Metropolitan AME stated, "We must not allow America to deviate from its democratic principles."
Conclusion
The boycott of Target is a powerful response to the rollback of DEI programs by corporate America. It highlights the importance of consumer power and the role of faith leaders in challenging discrimination and promoting equality. The campaign serves as a warning to companies that their actions have consequences and that consumers will not tolerate the abandonment of diversity initiatives.
