Letters to Target

MY ORIGINAL LETTER

For being a company who seemingly used to support the lbgt family, I am ashamed to learn of your recent contribution that goes against all of that. Please know I will not step foot in another target store until you offer an apology and retract the donation.

I don't support hate, and thus can't support your supporting of hate.

TARGET'S RESPONSE

Target has long believed that engaging in civic activities is an important and necessary element of operating a national retail business. What's more important than any one candidate's stance on a particular issue is how we nurture thoughtful, long-term growth in the state of Minnesota.

To continue to grow and create jobs and opportunity in our home state, we believe it is imperative to be engaged in public policy and the political process. That is why we are members of organizations like the Minnesota Business Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce and many others. And that is why we decided to contribute to MN Forward.

MN Forward's objective is to elect candidates from both parties who will make job creation and economic growth a top priority. We operate best when working collaboratively with legislators on both sides of the aisle.  In fact, if you look at our Federal PAC contributions year to date, you will see that they are very balanced between Republicans and Democrats. For more information please visit www.target.com/company, and view the Civic Activity page.

Target has a large stake in Minnesota's future, which is why it is so important to be able to provide jobs, serve guests, support communities and deliver on our commitment to shareholders. As an international business that is proud to call Minnesota home, it is critical that we have a business environment that allows us to be competitive. Our guests, team members, communities and shareholders depend on Target to remain competitive. 

Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. 

Sincerely,

Jennifer Hanson
Target Executive Offices

MY RESPONSE

This is unacceptable to me. To be fiscally responsible is one thing. Claiming to be supportive of your gay and lesbian, bi and transgender employees, then making donations in support of a candidate with ties to a group that supports the jailing and killing of those exact people is apprehensible. And to think, you used money that I, a gay man, spent shopping at your stores across the US to make that donation. For that, I am sorry and wish to apologize to your lgbt employees on YOUR behalf. 

The fact that your form letter PR response bears no mention of the lgbt community speaks volumes for your true colors. You're dodging the issue. You cannot say one thing, then act another way...because, as we're taught as children...ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. 

I will not step foot in another Target store until at least $150,000 or more is donated to HRC or another advocacy group of similar interest, an apology is made, AND a promise is made to include lgbt issues in further thought before donations are made.

I thought target was a better company than this. Clearly, you'll take anyone's money then turn around and stab them in the back!