Google has removed references to Black History Month, Women’s History Month, LGBTQ+ holidays, and other cultural events from its calendars, citing the unsustainable nature of manually maintaining hundreds of global events. This decision follows Google’s rollback of DEI initiatives and name changes reflecting executive orders from President Trump. Users now must manually add these events to their calendars. While Google claims continued celebration of cultural moments through other avenues, the calendar change has drawn considerable user criticism.
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Following Target’s rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, activists are calling for a nationwide boycott, citing the company’s prioritization of profits over its previous commitments to Black employees, shoppers, and businesses. A press conference at Target headquarters urged both employees to speak out and consumers to boycott the retailer, criticizing the timing of the decision just before Black History Month. While some Black business owners expressed concerns about the potential negative economic impact of a boycott, Target maintains its commitment to inclusion, although its philanthropic commitments remain uncertain following the withdrawal of funding by Twin Cities Pride. The boycott’s impact on Target and its future DEI efforts remains to be seen.
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Following President Trump’s ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has suspended observances of eleven annual events, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pride Month, and Black History Month. This action, initiated by the DIA and not yet department-wide policy, stems from ongoing ambiguity surrounding the executive order. The pause affects agency-sponsored events but not national holidays, according to a DIA memo. Defense Secretary Hegseth has since established a task force to eliminate all remaining DEI programs within the Pentagon, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to this policy. The White House, however, maintains its intention to celebrate American history and the contributions of all citizens.
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John Q. Hosedrinker