'Flush Target': Anti-Target Campaign Hits The Road Opposing Bathroom Policy
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- From sidewalk picketing to online petitions, the opposition to Target's bathroom and fitting room policy isn't going away. Outside the state office building in St. Paul on Monday, a large truck rolled up carrying a strong anti-Target message.
"Send Target a message -- don't shop where women and children's emotional and physical safety and privacy are under assault," Minnesota chair of the Child Protection League Julie Quist said.
Her criticism is now wrapped around a large delivery truck. The so called, "Flush Target" campaign will visit all 75 of Target's Minnesota stores. The critics are hoping to force the retailing giant to reverse course on a policy announced in March.
"I don't feel safe knowing that at Target a 6-foot, 5-inch, 250-pound man can follow me into a bathroom and store employees won't do anything about it," said Claire Chretien, an organizer of the campaign.
Target says it's bathroom and fitting room policy embraces diversity and inclusion by allowing customers to use the facilities that reflect their gender identity.
Target CEO Brian Cornell told CNBC last week that the company made the right decision, as it did back in the 1960s when it was one of the first to include African American models in store advertising.
"We want to make sure we provide a welcoming environment for all of our guests, one that is safe and one that's comfortable and that's our commitment over time," Cornell said.
Target claims the majority of its stores already have family restrooms. Furthermore, Target will to adding the unisex facilities to all its stores to assure customers greater bathroom privacy and security.
To Target shoppers like Meghan Weiland, the store's more inclusive policy is not a big issue.
"As of now I really don't have much concern about it. I think we should respect those decisions that people choose to make," Weiland said.
Still, the decision to turn a delivery truck into a traveling billboard will only crank up the controversy.
