The CEO of Target, Gregg Steinhafel donates $150,000 to a group called MN Forward, a group running ads for gubernatorial candidate, Tom Emmer. Emmer voted against domestic partnerships for state workers and supports a Christian punk rock band with a violent anti-gay message.

LGBT employees and their allies, along with consumers protest the donation. Information is made public that Steinhafel and his wife gave $10,000 last year to anti-gay wacko Michelle Bachmann.

At the same time, Target scores 100% on the HRC LGBT Equality Index for policies and benefits. HRC says they may rethink the high equality score.

Steinhafel claims that he unequivocally supports LGBT employees, but gave money to MN Forward because they are pro-business which will increase jobs and opportunities. But there is a major contradiction. Gregg Steinhafel, you can’t say that you support LGBT employees and then give money to a candidate that wants to take away rights and benefits. If diversity and inclusion are integrated into your business strategy, it’s bad business to help elect a candidate who opposes the way you do business.

Steinhafel apologizes for the donation and says he didn’t know that people would be upset and sorry he offended anyone. Too late Gregg, unless you get your donation back, the damage is done.

And Target is not the first company that supports diversity and inclusion on one hand, and then OTOH supports the people and politicians that want to destroy diversity and inclusion.

Message: Demographic groups shop where they feel welcome, appreciated and respected. Internet and social media spread the word and can stop the flow of money from certain groups and their allies. Inclusive leaders that support diversity on all levels need to think, and set the example for holistic leadership.

Gregg Steinhafel, what is your next move?