Listen "DEI rollbacks highlight the uneasy relationship between corporations and Black consumers"
Episode Synopsis
DEI policies – short for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – have been in the crosshairs since President Donald Trump arrived back in the White House. Many corporations have been proactively choosing to downsize their DEI programs or eliminate them completely. But one company is facing a unique level of backlash: Target. The retail giant announced last month it would eliminate multiple DEI projects, including hiring goals, and its Racial Equity Action and Change program which focused on investing in and carrying products from Black and minority-owned businesses. Critics of these moves have been calling for boycotts of the red bullseye but it may end up hurting those businesses Target has helped. Guests: Timeka Tounsel, Associate Professor of Black Studies in Communication at the University of Washington. Relevant Links: Black faith leaders call for Target boycott for backing off diversity initiatives Target retreated on DEI. Then came the backlash In age of racial reckoning, Ralph Lauren partners with Morehouse and Spelman grads on vintage Black fashion styles Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More episodes of the podcast Soundside
Producer Picks: Transit & Translators
30/12/2025
Producer Picks: Bruce Lee, the international icon who holds a special place in Seattle's heart
29/12/2025
Kiss Merry Kill: Holiday Edition
22/12/2025
Yay books! Soundside's 2025 in letters
18/12/2025
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - Dec 18-21
18/12/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.