Target is ending its diversity, equity and inclusion program along with other equity initiatives, the retailer said on Friday, becoming the latest U.S. firm to pull back these policies, meant to boost racial and ethnic representation at workplaces.

Steering clear of a backlash from conservative customers and organizations is something that Target has tried to navigate for a while. As transgender rights became a more prominen

Discount store chain Target said Friday that it would join rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have come under attack from conservative activists and,