Twin Cities Pride has decided to exclude Target from its annual festival and parade after the retailer’s decision to scale back diversity initiatives. For years, Target has been a visible — and generous — supporter of Pride events in Minneapolis and around the country,

Twin Cities Pride officials have reacted to Target’s recent pull-back on its diversity programs, announcing that the Minneapolis-based retailer would be allowed no role in the organization’s festival or parade.

Twin Cities Pride, a Minnesota-based LGBTQ+ organization, is excluding Target from its annual parade after the retailer rolled back its DEI programs. NBC News’ Joe Fryer spoke with Twin Cities Pride executive director Andi Otto about the decision to kick out the long-time sponsor.

Twin Cities Pride raised more than $50,000 to fill a gap in fundraising after booting Target from the list of festival sponsors. The Minneapolis retailer sparked an outcry from the public following an announcement that they would retreat from their diversity goals amid pressure from conservative activists.

Twin Cities Pride executive director Andi Otto says the nonprofit made the decision because Target is not standing up “against those who are fighting against us.”