Discount store chain Target says it's joining rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Target is ending its DEI program this year, the latest corporation to step away from such policies in the face of scrutiny from conservative groups.

In a memo to employees, the Minneapolis-based company says it will end its three-year DEI goals, stop reports to external diversity-focused groups, and end a program focused on carrying more products from Black- or minority-owned businesses.