In the wake of Target's $150,000 donation to Minnesota Forward—which is supporting GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, who is against same-sex marriage—the corporate giant is continuing to feel the heat.
Before, external forces were applying the pressure, as gay-rights groups asked Target to correct what it had done. The Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) had even tried to negotiate with the company to get it to donate to a pro-gay candidate; however, Target ultimately refused to do so.
Now, things are happening internally, as shareholders are demanding that the company alter its donation policies to prevent future flare-ups, according to the L.A. Times. Calvert Asset Management, Trillium Asset Management and Walden Asset Management—which hold $57.5 million of stock in Target—have sponsored a resolution that would have Target substantially revamp its policies regarding donations. Others, including the New York state pension fund ( which owns almost 4 million shares ) , are considering co-signing said resolution.
There have been other developments as well. HRC announced that it is dropping Target and Best Buy from its annual buyer's guide, according to On Top Magazine. The guide is based on ranking from the organization's Corporate Equality Index; both companies had scored 100 ( the top score ) in last year's index. ( Best Buy has also donated to Minnesota Forward and has received the same shareholder resolution, according to the L.A. Times. )
In addition, MoveOn.org has released a television ad urging people to boycott Target, the Huffington Post reported. MoveOn Executive Director Justin Ruben said in a statement, "Target's refusal to acknowledge its customers' outrage at their attempt to buy elections is scandalous. Americans have spoken: we don't want corporations meddling in our democracy. Corporate money in elections is nothing more than political bribery and we're not going to stop targeting Target until they stop trying to buy our elections." The ad has run on most local and national channels where it has been submitted; however, Advocate.com reported that MSNBC rejected the ad because it violates the network's policy concerning attacks on individual companies.
Even companies associating with Target are not safe. Gilt Groupe, a designer website, has been criticized for partnering with Target after the company's contribution was revealed, according to Advocate.com . Gilt CEO Susan Lyne said, "We consider ourselves lucky to work in an industry that flourishes precisely because it embraces diversity and change."
Gilt's Facebook page, however, has exploded with comments from people who are disgusted with the luxury brand's association with Target. One person, Jess Raven Gordon, posted, "I'm going to spend my money elsewhere and remain Gilt-free."
—Andrew Davis
