What is DEI and how much money has the government spent on it? NBC Boston [Video]

On Friday, Target became the latest major company to roll back its DEI programs, joining Walmart, Meta, McDonald’s and others in the wake of a Republican-driven effort to eliminate such efforts.

The initiative is spearheaded by President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order on his first day back in the Oval Office revoking a Joe Biden-era action to promote diversity in federal workplaces.

Here’s what to know about DEI programs.

“DEI” stands for diversity, equity and inclusion.

In DEI programs, “diversity” refers to the representation of all individuals, regardless of sex, gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, country of origin, class or religious beliefs.

“Equity” means the fair treatment of all individuals and equal access to opportunities and resources.

“DEIA” stands for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

DEI programs, which date back to the Civil Rights Movement, aim to foster equitable environments in businesses, workplaces and schools, particularly for historically marginalized communities.

DEI programs first began to surface during the implementation of affirmative action initiatives, which served …