In May 2024, NTC joined as a party in an amicus brief in support of the Turpin v. Latin case in favor of parental rights in education. The case has now reached the North Carolina Supreme Court. Click here to read the article.
FBI Director Kash Patel has formally ended the Bureau’s partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), calling it a political operation “masquerading” as a watchdog. It’s a decisive break from years of ADL-influenced trainings and briefings for agents, and it marks a turning point in how federal law enforcement chooses its outside “experts.” This decision didn’t happen in a vacuum. It followed mounting backlash over the ADL’s since-removed online material that smeared mainstream conservative organizations and figures — most notably the inclusion of Turning Point USA in a now-closed “extremism” glossary. Even as the ADL insists it merely offers education, the record shows a steady drift from civil-rights work to viewpoint policing. Director Patel’s action acknowledges that drift and ends the FBI’s support for it. The ADL has defended its collaboration with law enforcement and highlighted its “Law Enforcement and Society” (LEAS) programming. But that’s the point: trainings that start as neutral can morph into pipelines for selectively framed labels that end up in case files, policy memos, and media narratives. The most powerful investigative agency in the world cannot afford “outsourced bias” disguised as “expertise.” “Watchdogs” or Political Fronts? For years, self-styled “watchdogs” have claimed a monopoly on defining “hate” and “extremism.” These labels are then used to gatekeep social trust, stifle speech, and nudge public and private enforcers to punish the disfavored. That’s not accountability — it’s power without oversight. Patel’s move effectively says the FBI will no longer rent out its building or their badge to politicized third parties. He framed the break as a refusal to “partner with political fronts masquerading as watchdogs,” a standard that should apply across the board. If your “research” reads like a campaign mailer, you shouldn’t be writing the textbooks or lesson plans for federal agents. The SPLC Problem And Why It’s Boiling Over The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) exemplifies the same problem: originally created in 1971 to “ensure that the promise of the civil rights movement became a reality for all,” now treats ideological disagreement as pathology. The SPLC’s notorious “hate map” has lumped mainstream groups together with fringe outfits for years; media outlets cite it uncritically; platforms and donors lean on it to justify bans and blacklists. Early this morning, Elon Musk captured the public mood bluntly: “The SPLC is an evil organization that spreads hate propaganda relentlessly. It needs to be shut down.” That assessment will offend the professional hall-monitors, but it resonates with millions who’ve seen their beliefs smeared by politicized labels and watched those labels used to chill lawful speech. Whether one agrees with Musk’s exact phrasing, the core critique stands: when self-described “watchdogs” manufacture moral panics, they don’t reduce hate, rather they cheapen the term, dull public vigilance, and push our institutions toward selective enforcement. That’s the opposite of tolerance. Why This Matters for Real Tolerance The New Tolerance Campaign exists to confront double standards. We’ve documented a pattern: powerful institutions subcontract their moral judgment to advocacy groups and self-righteous individuals that claim neutral expertise but act like political actors. The results? Bias laundering: Agencies and companies adopt outside “ratings,” then claim their hands are clean. The politics didn’t disappear, rather they’ve been outsourced. Label inflation: The more expansive the definition of “extremism,” the more normal dissenters get swept in, and the easier it becomes to marginalize them. Public mistrust: When people see the rules enforced one way for some and another way for others, they stop trusting the referees. Director Patel’s decision begins to unwind that unhealthy dynamic, at least inside the FBI. It also sets a precedent other agencies and private-sector partners should follow: no automatic deference to organizations that use “tolerance” as a partisan weapon. What Should Happen Next? To move from a single decision to durable reform, we recommend: Transparent Vetting of Third-Party Trainers: Any nonprofit organization selected to brief or train federal agents should meet a clear, public standard: empirical rigor, transparent methods, and demonstrable impartiality. Past political advocacy — left or right — must be checked at the door, fully disclosed and weighed appropriately before moving forward. Independent Review Panels: Congress and Inspectors General should establish neutral review panels to audit government reliance on external “hate” or “extremism” designations. If a list or map is used inside government, it should be replicable, falsifiable, and insulated from partisan funding streams. Diversified Perspectives: When agencies do bring in outside voices, they should ensure ideologically diverse perspectives, so that one advocacy brand can’t define the entire field. That’s how you avoid blind spots and groupthink. Sunset Clauses for Partnerships: Formal Memorandum of Understanding with advocacy groups should expire unless re-approved after performance audits. “Set it and forget it” is how bias calcifies as policy. A Culture of First Principles: Law enforcement must anchor training to constitutional rights, statutory law, and objective criminal indicators — not to NGO glossaries that conflate speech with violence. Addressing the Obvious Pushback You’ll hear that cutting ties risks “ignoring antisemitism” or “going soft on hate.” That is a false choice. The FBI can and must investigate crimes motivated by bias without deputizing political nonprofits to define which Americans are suspect. In fact, staying neutral strengthens legitimate hate-crime enforcement by keeping it free from the taint of partisan gamesmanship. Likewise, criticism of the SPLC isn’t a denial that hate exists; it’s a rejection of cartoonish scorecards that lump tens of millions of law-abiding citizens into rhetorical proximity with true extremists. The more indiscriminate the label, the less useful it is in stopping real threats. A Win for Accountability — If We Make It One Director Patel’s decision is a needed correction. But lasting reform requires policy, not just press releases. Agencies should publish their criteria for outside partnerships. Congress should exercise oversight. And the media should stop treating advocacy branding as gospel. When “watchdogs” become biased political attack dogs, storied institutions must have the courage to take away the leash. As for the SPLC, Musk’s blast will spur headlines, but the underlying question is bigger than one post: Should any private entity hold quasi-official power to define which viewpoints are acceptable? Our answer is no because tolerance cannot be selective. Real tolerance means one rule for everyone,
Background: GoFundMe’s Terms of Service are clear: the platform will not host fundraisers that promote or benefit from violence, extremism, or harassment. Section 8.8 specifically prohibits “any activity in support of terrorism, extremism, hate, violence, harassment, bullying, or discrimination.” Yet today, GoFundMe is hosting a fundraiser for Devion Canty Jr., whose notoriety comes from grotesquely reenacting the assassination of Christian conservative leader Charlie Kirk at a Texas State University memorial service. His appeal for donations is rooted in that violent display, which the university itself condemned as “mocking, trivializing, or promoting violence” and in direct violation of its student conduct code. Why This Matters: This is not about free speech. The First Amendment protects expression, but it does not entitle anyone to mock violence and then profit from it by utilizing a commercial fundraising platform. By allowing this campaign to continue, GoFundMe is going against their own stated policy and allowing Canty Jr. to monetize on the grounds of harassment and intimidation. Conflicts With Section 8.8: Rooted in Harassment & Violence: The campaign exists only because of Canty Jr.’s despicable actions at a solemn memorial service he was never personally invited to attend. His disgusting assassination reenactment demeaned the life and death of Charlie Kirk and disrupted those taking time out of their day to honor him. Profiting from Intimidation: Canty Jr.’s campaign narrative casts himself as the ‘real victim,’ while fundraising directly from the controversy his own behavior created. Violence as a Selling Point: Some donors may not be contributing because of merit or education, but because of the notoriety surrounding a violent act—exactly what GoFundMe prohibits. Inconsistent Enforcement: GoFundMe has acted before. In 2022, the platform froze and refunded more than $10 million for Canada’s “Freedom Convoy,” citing links to “police reports and other unlawful activity.” Leaving Canty Jr.’s fundraiser online now demonstrates selective enforcement, undermining public trust. Call to Action: To NTC Advocates: Join NTC President Chad Banghart in sending correspondence to: GoFundMe’s CEO Tim Cadogan, Chief Legal Officer Kim Wilford, and Senior Director of Communications Leigh Lehman. Demand you want the “Going Back to TXST” fundraiser removed for violating Section 8.8 of GoFundMe’s Terms of Service. To GoFundMe: Remove the Canty Jr. campaign or explain why it does not violate Section 8.8. Consistency is essential for public trust. To Potential Donors: Ask whether your contributions reward education or help fund harassment rooted in violent mockery. To the Public: Stand up for even-handed enforcement. Free speech is protected by law, but companies must apply their own standards fairly across the board. Conclusion: If GoFundMe refuses to enforce its own rules, its policies are hypocritical and meaningless. This is not about politics – it is about integrity, trust, and ensuring no one profits from celebrating or reenacting violence. Email Contact Information: GoFundMe’s CEO: Tim Cadogan Email: Tim@gofundme.com GoFundMe’s Chief Legal Officer: Kim Wilford Email: KWilford@gofundme.com GoFundMe’s Senior Director of Communications: Leigh Lehman Email: LLehman@gofundme.com Physical Mailing Address: ATTN: (INSERT NAME HERE) GoFundMe 855 Jefferson Avenue Redwood City, CA. 94063
Distinguished board members bring diverse professional expertise to advance accountability, push back against manufactured intolerance, and restore integrity throughout American society. Washington, D.C. — The New Tolerance Campaign (NTC), a nonprofit watchdog committed to exposing hypocrisy and demanding accountability from powerful institutions, announced the recent expansion of its Board of Directors. “This distinguished group of leaders brings together expertise in media, philanthropy, technology, public service and national security to strengthen NTC’s mission of advancing real tolerance in American society,” said NTC President Chad Banghart. “Each of them has spent their careers exposing hypocrisy, driving reform, and giving everyday Americans a stronger voice against double standards. Together, they will help NTC ensure accountability at the highest levels of business, civil rights, government, and culture.” Isaac Woodward, Director of the Philos Leadership Institute and returning Board Chairman, emphasized the organization’s role as a cultural watchdog. “It’s a privilege to continue serving with NTC, an organization that has consistently proven its value as a watchdog for institutional integrity, intellectual honesty, and actual tolerance,” Woodward said. New board members, like Chris Piehota, underscored the urgency of NTC’s mission and the diversity of experience they bring to the effort. “As the world becomes a more complex and often confusing place, we will benefit from a resurgence in principled leadership and balanced ethics that can benefit all parts of our society,” said Chris Piehota, retired FBI Executive Assistant Director, author, and national security consultant. “The New Tolerance Campaign can serve as a key balancing point where leadership and ethics converge to preserve American culture and operate for the benefit of all Americans.” Board members also highlighted how NTC’s mission intersects with their own professional paths. New Board Director, White House Correspondent, TV news and podcast host Amanda Head said, “Joining the Board of the New Tolerance Campaign is not just an honor – it feels like a full-circle moment in my mission to push back against the cultural decay being driven by agenda-driven institutions. NTC is on the cutting edge of the fight – they don’t just complain about woke culture; they confront it.” Sami Leonardo, who serves as the communications chief of a public health-focused nonprofit recently joined NTC’s board and reflected on the importance of applying standards consistently. “Too often, public trust erodes when organizations fail to apply their own standards. NTC’s work plays a vital role in addressing that disconnect. By engaging with individuals from various backgrounds, we can bring greater attention to institutional double standards and foster dialogue that transcends partisanship.” From the perspective of innovation and strategy, returning board member David Eisen, Founder and CEO of LuxRally Travel, underscored NTC’s adaptability in a changing landscape. “Over the past several years, I’ve watched this organization grow into a powerful voice for consistency, courage, and cultural accountability,” Eisen said. “With Chad Banghart at the helm, I’m confident we’re entering a new era of sharper campaigns, bigger impact, and broader national relevance.” Chad Banghart welcomed the new and returning directors, noting that their leadership will help sharpen NTC’s impact. “Our board represents a wealth of experience across sectors that have shaped American culture and policy. Together, we will continue to hold accountable the institutions that betray their own stated values and empower everyday Americans to demand fairness and consistency.” ### For Interview or Inquiry: New Tolerance Campaign Communications 520-369-3829 communications@newtolerance.org About New Tolerance Campaign Founded in 2019, the New Tolerance Campaign is a nonprofit watchdog organization that mobilizes Americans to confront intolerance and double standards by establishment institutions, universities, corporations and cultural elites. NTC empowers ordinary citizens to hold accountable those who claim to champion tolerance yet betray it through selective enforcement and ideological bias. For more information, visit www.newtolernace.org.
New Tolerance Campaign President Chad Banghart is highlighted in a new Daily Caller article examining Congress’s growing push to investigate the dark money fueling violent radical left networks. The article underscores how the September 10 assassination of Charlie Kirk has accelerated calls from lawmakers for a bipartisan select committee with subpoena power to finally hold extremist-aligned nonprofits accountable. Banghart’s leadership is cited as part of the broader effort to demand transparency and expose how massive fiscal sponsorship networks funnel hundreds of millions of dollars into groups tied to political violence and chaos. This piece makes clear that this moment could represent a real turning point in how Congress confronts the radical left’s hidden infrastructure. Click here to read the full article in the Daily Caller.
Following Travis Kelce and others’ support of Rashee Rice, NTC called on the Chiefs to stand with crash victims instead of excusing reckless behavior and unpaid restitution Washington, D.C. — The New Tolerance Campaign (NTC) formally released the letter that President Chad Banghart sent at the end of last week to the executive leadership of the Kansas City Chiefs. The correspondence respectfully called on the organization to uphold its stated values of character and integrity by standing with the victims of Rashee Rice’s reckless actions. Specifically, the letter urged the Chiefs to issue a public statement of support for the victims, to discourage fans, and to prohibit players from displaying “Free 4” materials, including apparel, in support of suspended wide receiver Rashee Rice (#4). Rice is currently serving a six-game NFL suspension after pleading guilty to causing a high-speed six-car crash while racing a Lamborghini at 119 miles per hour. He fled the scene without checking on the innocent victims. The presiding judge noted that this lack of concern ‘bothered him’ and cast doubt on whether Rice was truly remorseful. Despite a court order, Rice has also failed to pay a $1.1 million settlement owed to one of the victims, according to the latest report. “Accountability matters,” said NTC President Chad Banghart. “The Kansas City Chiefs are more than a football team — they are a cultural institution with millions of fans, including young people who look to their organization as role models. The message the Chiefs send in moments like this has major implications on society, including our nation’s youth. Excusing reckless behavior because of on-field talent and fame is unacceptable.” Banghart’s formal letter cited recent public support for Rice by teammates Travis Kelce and Tyquan Thornton, who wore “Free 4” t-shirts before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, as well as remarks delivered by Head Coach Andy Reid defending the displays. “Empathy for a teammate is understandable, but when paired with public displays that excuse serious misconduct, it risks sending a dangerous message — that talent and fame are a free pass from responsibility,” Banghart continued. In the days following the letter’s delivery, and before the Chief’s Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants, neither Travis Kelce nor Tyquan Thornton repeated the “Free 4” display during their warmups. This clear shift marked a significant victory for accountability and showed that Banghart’s letter and the public’s demand for higher standards has been heard. The New Tolerance Campaign underscored that this effort is consistent with its history of supporting fairness, noting that it previously defended Chiefs starting kicker Harrison Butker when he was attacked for delivering a commencement speech rooted in his Catholic faith. “Our commitment is not to target the Chiefs, but to hold all institutions — including the NFL — to the same standard of fairness and integrity,” Banghart said. “Whether it means protecting free expression or demanding responsibility, our message is the same: no one will get away with betraying their own stated values while simultaneously evading rightful accountability.” Moreover, NTC emphasized that this letter was only the beginning. Had the Kansas City Chiefs leadership declined to respond in an adequate manner upon the receipt of this letter, then NTC was ready to begin mobilizing its 100,000+ dedicated advocates to demand additional course correction. “The Chiefs’ legacy is built not only on victories but also on core values,” Banghart concluded. “This is a moment to show that the team’s dedication to integrity is as a strong as its drive to win.” ### For Interview or Inquiry: New Tolerance Campaign Communications 520-369-3829 communications@newtolerance.org About New Tolerance Campaign The New Tolerance Campaign is a nonprofit watchdog organization that mobilizes Americans to hold corporations, media outlets, celebrities, universities, and other influential institutions accountable when they display double standards in their actions and rhetoric.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Kansas City Chiefs Executive Leadership Clark Hunt, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Mark Donovan, President Brett Veach, General Manager Kansas City Chiefs 1 Arrowhead Drive Kansas City, MO 64129 Dear Mr. Hunt, Mr. Donovan, and Mr. Veach: On behalf of the New Tolerance Campaign and thousands of Americans who believe in fairness and responsibility, I am writing to express concern over recent displays of support for Rashee Rice by Kansas City Chiefs players, Travis Kelce and Tyquan Thornton, as well as the accompanying remarks made just one day later by Head Coach Andy Reid. Mr. Rice’s case is troubling not simply because of the reckless conduct that led to a devastating six-car crash, but because of what happened afterward. Court records and reporting confirm that Mr. Rice was racing his Lamborghini at 119 miles per hour on a Dallas highway when he caused the multi-car collision. Instead of checking on the innocent people he injured, he fled the scene on foot, leaving others to deal with the aftermath. The presiding judge, in sentencing him to five years of probation and thirty days in jail, made clear that this behavior “bothered him” and raised doubts about whether Rice was truly remorseful. Though Rice has since offered words of apology, his personal actions — running away and dodging accountability — spoke louder, especially to the victims and members of the surrounding community. Even today, Mr. Rice has failed to take responsibility in the most basic way: one of the victim’s attorneys confirmed that he has not paid the $1.1 million settlement owed to his client involved in the crash, citing lack of funds. This demonstrates that he has not even taken financial accountability for the harm he caused, compounding on the pain of those directly impacted by his careless decisions. Against this backdrop, it is alarming that at least two Chiefs players took to the field wearing “Free 4” apparel, as though the real injustice were Mr. Rice being held accountable, rather than the victims who were injured through no fault of their own. On a video call one day after this pre-game incident, Coach Reid told members of the media, “I know these guys love Rashee, and they feel for him sitting out here… I just think that those guys, they love the kid and want him to feel part of it in their own way.” Empathy for a teammate is understandable, but when paired with public displays that excuse serious misconduct, it risks sending a dangerous message — that talent and fame are a free pass from responsibility. The Kansas City Chiefs are more than a football team. You are a cultural institution with millions of fans, many of them young people who look to your players and organization as role models. The message they absorb matters. Do we want them to learn that accountability and responsibility come first, or that reckless behavior can be brushed aside if you wear the right jersey for a successful team? We respectfully urge the Chiefs to demonstrate real leadership by discouraging fans and banning players from displaying any “Free 4” material for the remainder of Rice’s suspension. We would also appreciate seeing a clear statement of support for the victims of this crash and encouraging Mr. Rice to take meaningful restorative actions that go beyond the bare minimum required by law. Such steps would quickly reaffirm that the Kansas City Chiefs stand for integrity, not excuses, and that no one — no matter how talented — is above accountability. The legacy of your franchise is built not only on victories but also on the respect of your stated values: “Win with Character, Unite our Community, Inspire our Fans, and Honor Tradition.” This is a moment to show that the Chiefs’ commitment to character is as strong as their commitment to winning another NFL championship. Sincerely, Chad A. Banghart President New Tolerance Campaign P.S. It is worth underscoring that the New Tolerance Campaign has publicly supported members of your organization before. When your starting kicker Harrison Butker was attacked for delivering a commencement speech rooted in his Catholic faith, we stood with him and defended his right to express his beliefs without intimidation or censorship. Our commitment is not to target the Chiefs, but to hold all institutions, including the NFL, to the same standard of fairness and integrity — whether that means protecting free expression or demanding accountability for the celebration of reckless harm.
The passing of Charlie Kirk is a devastating loss, not just to his family, friends, and TPUSA colleagues, but to millions of Americans who found in him a fearless defender of faith, freedom, and truth. Charlie’s voice rang clear in a time of national confusion, and one of his greatest contributions was his ability to cut through the noise and frame our challenges with clarity. To honor his memory, we must continue that work. For too long, America has been told that our political ideology is simply left versus right, Republican versus Democrat, conservative versus liberal. That framing no longer fits our current reality. What we are really confronting today is not a traditional political debate, but a battle between insanity and humanity. Consider the issues before us. It is no longer a “left-wing” talking point to say men can become women and compete in women’s sports — it’s taking place in schools across our country – it’s sheer insanity. It is no longer just a policy disagreement to demand that children be indoctrinated with radical gender ideology in schools — it is an assault on our nation’s most vulnerable, their innocence and overall common sense. To refuse to secure our borders in the midst of national security threats, to celebrate abortion as a “right” while ignoring its murderous disregard of human life, to punish citizens for speaking their faith or defending their values – these are not mere differences of opinion. They are rejections of basic humanity. Charlie understood this. He recognized that our nation was in danger of losing its moral compass, and he worked tirelessly to remind us that freedom is not preserved by slogans, but by courage rooted in truth. His gift was not simply rallying conservatives but persuading everyday Americans to see what was right in front of them: that our culture is being pushed toward chaos, and it takes courage to stand for order, faith, family, and freedom. The good news is that when the argument is framed correctly, the American people know where they stand. Most parents do not want their children sexualized in classrooms. Most citizens want a secure border, safe neighborhoods, and a functioning justice system. A majority of our great American workforce want dignity in their labor, not lectures from corporate boardrooms about the latest progressive fad. These are not partisan desires – they are deeply human. This is the ultimate legacy Charlie Kirk leaves us: refuse to be trapped in the old political boxes, be outspoken about your faith, and to insist on standing for humanity against the minority who perpetuate insanity. He knew the stakes. If America loses its moral foundation, its traditional values, and its deep-rooted Christian faith, freedom will collapse with it. As conservatives, we honor the life of Charlie Kirk best not by softening our convictions, but by sharpening our language and moral clarity. We must continue to expose the absurdities that have become normalized in our culture, while offering our fellow citizens a hopeful alternative: faith, family, community, and country. That is not extremism — it is humanity. The challenge before us is urgent, but Charlie’s achievements in his young life are proof that one voice can make an actual difference. He lived boldly, he spoke truth without apology, and he inspired the next generation to stand firm. In this time of grief, may we carry his torch forward. For our fight ahead is not about left versus right; rather, it’s whether we have the courage to reject insanity and defend humanity itself. At the New Tolerance Campaign, we are committed to this very fight. We are standing on the side of humanity by calling out double standards, exposing woke cultural madness, and defending the values that keep America strong and united. In this critical moment, we join countless others in declaring that we will not bow to insanity. We will help people see the light within truth through faith and facts. We will never yield to the madness of our age, and we will continue to rise, unashamed and unafraid in order to further preserve humanity.
If you’ve ever walked through San Francisco’s Castro District or caught a glimpse of the pastel-painted Victorians, you’ve seen the outward expression of California’s pride in its “spirit of tolerance.” As one BBC feature puts it, San Francisco has long embodied “a city of nonconformity,” where costumed parades, free expression, and welcoming acceptance are baked into its character. Meanwhile, The Golden State under Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom codified its ethos of diversity, equity, and inclusion — values that have become central to the governor’s identity and the state’s brand. Today, Bed Bath & Beyond’s Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis announced that the company will refuse to open or operate retail stores in California and not for political reasons, but “because it’s about reality.” He laid out a stark truth: “California has created one of the most overregulated, expensive, and risky environments for businesses in America… We will not participate in a system that undermines both [customers and shareholders].” That’s not a partisan talking point, it’s reality. California’s “Tolerance” is Intolerance in Disguise What does it say when a state that prides itself on progress drives away employers, jobs, and affordable goods? Lemonis spelled it out: higher taxes, endless regulations, unsustainable costs for employees and customers alike. California’s political class calls this equity. But it’s really exclusion — punishing ordinary citizens with higher prices and punishing businesses with impossible rules. This isn’t tolerance. It’s hypocrisy. The Consequences Are Real Jobs lost: When businesses can’t survive in California, workers lose opportunities. Prices climb: Regulations and taxes don’t hurt the wealthy, but they certainly hit working families the hardest. Community life erodes: When real storefronts are replaced by online-only delivery – nothing builds civic pride like a vibrant local economy. Lemonis framed it as “common sense,” but in practice, it reveals something much darker: California has become a state that preaches openness while robbing its citizens of vast opportunity and injecting unnecessary burdens into everyday life. A Wake-Up Call for the Rest of America This isn’t about supporting one company, but it is about confronting a broader truth: California’s vaunted tolerance is failing. And if its model collapses under the weight of its own policies, why would anyone else emulate it? The mission of the New Tolerance Campaign is to expose hypocrisy when institutions declare values they don’t uphold. California claims to lead on equity and inclusion, yet its policies are forcefully excluding businesses, burning out minimum wage employees, and dissolving the idea of “the American Dream.” If California cannot meet its own standards, it doesn’t deserve to set the standard for the rest of our nation. The Bottom Line San Francisco may still wear the rainbow crosswalks and celebrate diversity, but behind that imagery is a failing system that no longer delivers. Bed Bath & Beyond is just the latest business to say, “Enough!” California’s “tolerance” has transformed into nothing more than intolerance and that should be disturbing to all of us, no matter which state we call home.
This upcoming February will mark the end of another era for a recovering socially conscious brand. Target Chief Executive Officer Brian Cornell will step down in February 2026, ceding the top post after 11 years to longtime company veteran and Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke. Under Cornell’s leadership, Target once dazzled, earning praise for modern store overhauls, pandemic-era growth, and a beam of corporate prestige. But according to a senior writer at Fortune, “Target reported yet another quarter of weak financial results, with comparable sales down 1.9% and the cheap-chic retailer reaffirmed its expectations that sales will decline by a low single digit percentage this year, projecting a third year in a row of decline.” There is no doubt at this point that the popular retailer is reeling — sliding sales, failed initiatives, and deep cultural divisions have only made Cornell’s departure all but inevitable. A Leader Defined by Ideological Overreach and Backlash Cornell’s tenure is inseparable from Target’s embrace and eventual retreat from deeply polarizing social initiatives. DEI Investment to DEI Retreat: In 2020, Target CEO Brian Cornell said George Floyd’s murder had a personal impact on him and just several months after the murder, Target pledged to increase its Black workforce by 20% throughout the company over three years and take other steps to “advance racial equity.” The following year, Target committed to spending more than $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025. In 2022, the Bullseye-logoed company was honored for its “outstanding commitment to DEI” by the Executive Leadership Council, who is the “preeminent global membership organization for Black current and former CEOs, senior executives,” amongst entrepreneurs, and other leaders. In 2023, Cornell defended Target’s bold commitments to DEI, saying they ‘fueled much of their growth’ over the years. However, his tune quickly changed at the beginning of this year. Target quietly rolled back a broad slate of their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. In a post online the long running department store openly admitted to halting future surveys that went to the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and they also said they would conclude their Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives this year. The announcement generated strong recoil, including from the granddaughters of a founding family member, who condemned the reversal, describing their personal feelings as “shocked and dismayed.” Nevertheless, Target rightfully surrendered to consumer boycotts, online hysteria, and conservative customer backlash. Pride Merchandise Firestorm: In May 2023, Target’s Pride Collection came under attack for selling “tuck-friendly” items within their “kid’s section.” The resulting boycott triggered major stock dips, “wiping out $10 billion in market value in just ten days and erasing $25 billion in shareholder value over the course of six months, its worst performance and longest losing streak in 23 years.” There were also threats against employees, and store vandalism, which ultimately forced Target to pull back their initial offerings and move displays to the back of some of their stores. The State of Florida and America First Legal joined forces to file a class action lawsuit against the popular retailer for “misleading and defrauding investors over market risks of LGBTQ activism” – litigation that is still playing out in court months later. Just one year later, in Target’s 2024 press release just one day ahead of “Pride Month,” they said their company would only be selling their pride-related collection of products and items in “adult apparel and home and food and beverage” sections of their store. Moreover, since the eye-opening tragedy, in the two years to follow the retail giant has scaled back their pride displays and merchandise. More notably, viral posts online and articles from this past June (2025) show Target had been prioritizing USA-themed apparel over LGBT merchandise during Pride Month. Investor Fraud Lawsuit: Amid DEI pledges coming to an end, shareholders led by the City of Riviera Beach Police Pension Fund in Florida filed suit alleging Target misled them on the financial risks tied to its social policies and ESG commitments. According to early reporting, “The lawsuit said the retailer, CEO Brian Cornell and other officials failed to disclose the risk of consumer boycotts stemming from Target’s Environmental, Social, and Governance and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.” Reuters also noted in their original report that Target’s share price fell 22% on November 20, 2024, wiping out about $15.7 billion of market value. Caught Between Culture Wars: The company has now found itself alienating both ends of the political spectrum — progressive consumers have become upset by recently announced DEI rollbacks, while dedicated conservative customers have become infuriated by “woke” merchandise. The result? A socially conscious brand who successfully racialized division, suffers with plunging sales year after year, and finally pressures their CEO to resign. A Strategic Pivot or Further Retreat? Even before Cornell’s announced exit, the company’s trajectory was in free fall. According to many media reports, “Target reported a 21% drop in net income in the quarter ended August 2. Sales were down slightly, and the company reported a 1.9% dip in comparable sales – those from established physical stores and online channels. Target has seen flat or declining comparable sales in eight of the past ten quarters including the latest period.” The board’s choice of Michael Fiddelke, a 20-year insider to succeed Cornell signals continuity, not upheaval. Neil Saunders, who serves as the Managing Director of GlobalData Retail said he had mixed feelings about the promotion of Fiddelke, other analysts think the retail veteran may lack the fresh perspective needed to reset Target’s faltering brand connection. New Tolerance Campaign’s Approach At the New Tolerance Campaign, we value consistency, courage, and coalition – not performative virtue signaling. According to their own website, Target deems their core purpose as, “help all families discover the joy of everyday life.” The commitments they outlined are simple: “more for your money, the best shopping experience, a healthy, happy and valued team, a brighter future, ethical business practices.” Simply put, the Target Corporation’s mission, corporate strategy and commitments
