Target is not welcome at the Twin Cities Pride Festival this year despite being a longtime sponsor, organizers say, because the company recently ended some of its DEI programs.

One of the country’s largest retailers said it will end the diversity, equity and inclusion goals it sets in three-year cycles and curtail racial equity initiatives.

Target is the latest US company to retreat from policies designed to enhance racial and ethnic representation in the workplace.

The retailer's decision met with notable criticism, with some noting the company's reputation for inclusiveness has helped it attract a younger, more diverse consumer base.

Discount store chain Target says it's joining rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Target's scaling back of its DEI initiatives impacts its partnership with entrepreneur and actress Tabitha Brown, shaking the retail industry.

Owners of brands that were championed by Target before it rolled back DEI efforts say a boycott would harm their brands, and encouraged customers to support them.