Target has reversed its decision to terminate a Fargo, North Dakota employee who was fired for wearing a nametag with the phrase “Trust in Jesus.” The controversy erupted after Denise Kendrick, a worker at the Target location, was told by a manager to remove the nametag, which featured a cross and the religious message.
Kendrick, who refused to remove the nametag, pointed out that other employees were allowed to wear name tags with rainbows, arguing that there was a double standard. This led to her termination on November 16, which Kendrick described as an unjustified decision. When she asked for a written explanation for her firing, Kendrick was reportedly given a paper with phone numbers to contact instead, leading to further frustration.
REPORT: A North Dakota @Target Is Facing Serious Backlash For Firing A Woman Who Wrote;
'Trust In Jesus' & A Cross On Her Name Tag.
This Store Allows Employees To Put LGBTQ Flag On Name Tags.
Target Corporate Says The Firing Was Wrong & Offered Rehire! https://t.co/jGrArCsX7A pic.twitter.com/t0CwCwhOmt— John Basham (@JohnBasham) November 24, 2024
The incident quickly garnered attention online, with many criticizing Target for firing an employee over what some viewed as an innocent expression of faith. In response to the public backlash, a Target spokesperson issued a statement apologizing to Kendrick. After conducting an internal review, the company decided to reinstate her to her position.
Reactions to the incident have been mixed. Some social media users expressed support for Kendrick’s right to express her religious beliefs, while others pointed out the inconsistency in Target’s dress code enforcement. One user wrote, “It’s not crazy to want to express yourself, but why does the company support some expressions and not others?”
A North Dakota Target is facing backlash for firing a woman who wrote 'Trust in Jesus' on her name tag.
Outrage at @Target. Again. https://t.co/VyYevBECqt
— Bart Marcois (@bmarcois) November 24, 2024
Denise Kendrick, an employee at the @Target in #Fargo, North Dakota, was just FIRED on November 16… for wearing a name tag that she wrote “TRUST IN JESUS” on.
Denise was pulled aside for a “DRESS CODE INFRACTION,” **gasp** and she pushed back.
Denise pointed out to management… pic.twitter.com/flVqRQRygf
— Amy Limoges (@justMAGAplease) November 24, 2024
Target’s handling of the incident highlights the tensions between individual freedom of expression and corporate policies in today’s socially charged climate. As the company navigates these issues, the case has sparked broader discussions about the boundaries of personal beliefs in the workplace.
Despite the public controversy, Target’s decision to rehire Kendrick signals a potential shift in how the company balances employee rights with company policies, particularly when it comes to religious expression.
