Target CEO promises dialogue on gay issues; apologizes for donation’s effect
”While I firmly believe that a business climate conducive to growth is critical to our future, I realize our decision affected many of you in a way I did not anticipate, and for that I am genuinely sorry…. Going forward, we will soon begin a strategic review and analysis of our decision-making process for financial contributions in the public policy arena. And later this fall, Target will take a leadership role in bringing together a group of companies and partner organizations for a dialogue focused on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including GLBT issues.”
Part of a letter from Gregg Steinhafel, Chairman, President and CEO of Target Corp to the company’s leaders. It was revealed last month that the retail chain had made a $150,000 donation to a political action committee, and that the business-oriented PAC supports a controversial political candidate named Tom Emmer. Emmer has reportedly campaigned and voted against equal rights and benefits for gay couples. In this letter, Steinhafel says the company remains committed to individual rights, and that they did not mean to disappoint the company team or valued guests. (Minnesota Public Radio)
A number of gay-supportive groups and individuals have publicly called for a boycott against Target, which is unsettling to others because (1) they like Target, and (2) the company has had a good reputation on LGBT issues up until this point. Other companies, including Best Buy, made large donations to the same PAC.
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