The CEO of Target, Brian Cornell, will meet with the civil rights leader, the Rev. Al Sharpton, this week in New York in the midst of criticism of the retailer Reversion of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The meeting, which was initiated by Target, follows the recent decisions of the retailer to reduce the initiatives ofi, a measure that caused a violent reaction of civil rights organizations.
He thought Sharpton himself has not yet asked for an official boycott, hey openly It supports consumer movements that urge buyers to avoid the goal.
“You can’t have a choice and, suddenly, change your old positions.” Sharpton told CNBC.
“If an election determines its commitment to justice, then you have the right to withdraw from us, but then we have the right to retire from you.”
Sharpton declared that he is open to initiate a formal boycott if the target does not reaffirm its support and investment in the black community and companies with the lack of black.
“I said: ‘Yes [Cornell] He wants to have a sincere meeting, we will meet, “Sharpton said.” I want to hear first what he has to say. “
Target confirmed the planned meeting between Cornell and Sharpton, but rejected more comments.
The controversy arose when Target announced in January that it would end its three -year -old from the company and would stop providing company reports to external groups such as the Corporate Capital Index of the Human Rights Campaign.
The company also ended certain measures aimed at increasing space on the shelf for products of black and minority companies.
After these ads, Target experienced visits to the store in Declive for 10 consecutive weeks from the end of January, as registered by the pleasure data firm.
Before this period, storage traffic increases the year after year. Analysts have warned, however, that the Let the number of buyers fall It could also be related to larger macroeconomic trends, such as high inflation.
While this metric does not directly reflect the general sales, the decrease coincided with the public protest on the company’s decision.
Rev. Jamal Bryant, An Atlanta headquartersIt has been another vocal critic or the change of policy of Target.
Bryant Started a “fast” to buy at Target Duration provided as a demonstration of the influence of the black consumer, pointing to plans to announce more actions related to the boycott soon.
Target policy changes reflect a broader corporate caution around the DEI programs, since companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s and Tractor Supply have similarly reduced their initiatives, partly due to weights and politicians.
In contrast, Costco did not maintain its initiatives, resisting successful proposals for conservative shareholders aimed at weakening thesis policies.
The National Network of Action of Sharpton (NAN) recently committed to other corporations that face similar scrutiny.
Hey, with Pepsico’s executives after the drinking giant ended his goals. \
The details of the thought of Pepsico’s commitments are still clear, Sharpton recognized the importance of CEO Ramon Laguarta that personally attend discussions.
Sharpton meetings represent a significant counterigner against conservative activists, such as Robby Starbuck, which have been aggressively addressed to Corporate Dei policies.
Starbuck campaigns have not gone to the pressure of several important corporations to reconsidize or eliminate diversity initiatives.
Duration at his next meeting, Sharpton plans to question Cornell about Target’s reversal of the commitments assumed after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the hometown of Target.
Cornell previously expressed a deep personal and corporate commitment following the murder of Floyd, saying that he impacted it deeply.
“That could have one of the members of my target team,” he said in 2021.
Sharpton stressed the need for the responsibility of the companies that promised the duration of the critical moments of civil disturbances.
“You made commitments based on the George Floyd movement … What changed?” Hello Ash.
“Are you trying to say everything now because the elections changed? That is insulting for us.”
