Consumers to boycott companies retreating from DEI. Here’s what we know.
Consumers are planning to boycott on February 28 over companies retreating from diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
The People of the United States have organized a set of boycotts to protest the world they live in.
The group has organized three, 24-hour spending blackout days and a 40-day boycott on Target, dubbed as the Target fast. It will happen coincide with the 40 days of Lent.
The first 24-hour spending blackout is set to happen on Feb. 28.
The move was organized and advertised by The People’s Union USA, an emerging grassroots organization that since 2020 has been organizing actions of economic resistance seeking better government accountability and corporate practices.
In recent weeks, its founder, New Yorker John Schwarz, has complained about oligarchy, Elon Musk, and the rollback of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts after President Donald Trump ended them.
“How did we get to a point in this country where one billionaire — one billionaire — has more control over our government, our infrastructure and our economy than most politicians do?” he asked in an Instagram post.
Will boycotting work?
Boycotts are centuries-old forms of protests.
Historically, they have lead to social justice reforms, such as the sugar boycott by British abolitionists in the late 18th century helped raise awareness and put economic pressure on the sugar industry produced by enslaved people.
Or the Montgomery Bus boycott in Alabama in the 1950’s, which became a key incendiary action for the Civil Rights Movement.
When it comes to economic pressure, it all depends on how many people religiously stick to the boycott. The boycott of Starbucks in the midst of the war against Palestine could be the reason why in Jan. 2024 the company posted quarterly sales of $190 million less than what it had projected, Daria Shevchenko, CMO of marketing platform Snov.io told Newsweek.
“If we disrupt the economy for just ONE day, it sends a powerful message,” The People’s Union USA wrote on its website.
But people on social media are saying boycotts should last longer.
In an Instagram video, Influencer @DanishaCarter, said that “Staging a boycott with an announcement that it ends three days or a week later just tells the company that they need to move around the budget for the next three days.”
But say no more. A pastor from Atlanta is calling for a 40-day boycott of Target, a company that showed no hesitation in rolling back its DEI initiatives by the end of January.
What is the 40-day Target fast?
Black faith leaders have encouraged pastors to rally their congregations on Sunday to participate in a 40-day boycott of Target starting on March 5, Ash Wednesday, as part of an effort to oppose companies abandoning DEI initiatives.
“We’ve got to tell corporate America that there’s a consequence for turning their back on diversity,” said Bishop Reginald T. Jackson. “So let us send the message that if corporate America can’t stand with us, we’re not going to stand with corporate America.”
The 40-day movement against Target formed when more than 50,000 people signed a petition against the retail giant, initiated by Atlanta-based New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Jamal Bryant.
“Black people spend on average $12 million a day in Target,” said Pastor Bryant. “Historically, the Black church has always been the centerpiece of the civil rights movement. If they start losing $29 million a day for 40 days, we will break the back of the system,” he told local station WAGA-TV in Atlanta.
In addition to scaling back DEI initiatives, Target faced backlash for removing Pride displays in rural stores due to conservative opposition in recent years.
When are the boycott dates?40-day boycott of Target: March 5 to April 1324-hour spending blackout: Feb. 28, March 28 and April 18Amazon Blackout: March 7 to 14Walmart Blackout: April 7 to 13Which companies are continuing to support DEI initiatives?
Apple: Apple’s shareholders voted against a proposal to cease DEI initiatives. The company rejected the proposal and responded that “we strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.”
Microsoft: “For Microsoft, transparency and accountability are not a trend or a season” chief diversity officer Lindsay-Rae McIntyre posted on LinkedIn.
Delta Air Lines: On a January earnings call, when asked if the company was going to rescind DEI efforts, Chief External Affairs Officer Peter Carter said “No, we are not. We are steadfast in our commitments because we think that they’re critical to our business.”
Costco: Its board of directors voted unanimously to ask shareholders to reject a motion against DEI practices. The board said “our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary,” per AP.
e.l.f. Beauty: “So many dicks” is the name of the cosmetics brand campaign embracing DEI initiatives. It calls for more diverse boardrooms and more women in C-Suites positions.
Procter & Gamble: The company that manages brands like Charmin, Tide, and Tampax released a statement to The Cincinnati Enquirer in February, emphasizing that equality and inclusion are beneficial for business. “This cannot and will not change,” said CEO Jon Moeller. “It’s critical to who we are and what we do, to our principles, values, and purpose and most importantly to winning.”
Sephora: The beauty brand introduced its first film, Beauty & Belonging, at the Sundance Film Festival in January, celebrating diversity and authenticity.
Here’s a list of companies rolling back DEI
Here’s a list of companies rolling back their DEI initiatives as per multiple news outlets and statements from the companies themselves.
Coca-ColaPepsiCoGoldman SachsDisneyDeloitteGoogleGMPayPalChipotleComcastAccentureAmazonTargetMetaMcDonald’sWalmartBoeingMolson CoorsLowe’sFord Motor Co.Brown-FormanHarley-DavidsonJohn Deere
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Publish date : 2025-02-21 19:46:00
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