Target has rehired Denise Kendrick, an employee from its Fargo, North Dakota store, after she was fired for refusing to remove a nametag with the words “Trust in Jesus.” The incident, which quickly gained attention on social media, highlighted tensions surrounding corporate dress code policies and freedom of expression.
Kendrick was reportedly fired on November 16 for a “dress code issue” after she wore the name tag, which featured a religious message and a cross. When asked to take the nametag off, Kendrick refused, citing that other employees were allowed to wear name tags with rainbow symbols. This led to her termination, but when she asked for a formal written explanation for the firing, she was reportedly given a list of phone numbers to contact instead.
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 public backlash against Target was swift, with many social media users expressing outrage over Kendrick’s dismissal. In response, a Target spokesperson announced that the company had conducted a review of the situation and determined that Kendrick’s firing was unwarranted. The spokesperson apologized for the incident and confirmed that Kendrick would be reinstated immediately, a decision that Kendrick accepted.
While some social media users supported Kendrick’s right to express her faith, others criticized Target for its inconsistent enforcement of dress code policies. The company has faced criticism in the past for its progressive stances, particularly its support for LGBTQ+ rights. This incident has added fuel to the ongoing debate about how companies should handle employees’ personal expressions and beliefs.
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 decision to rehire Kendrick after the backlash may represent an effort to balance respect for individual expression with company policies. However, the controversy has raised broader questions about freedom of expression, corporate governance, and the intersection of personal beliefs and professional responsibilities in today’s workplace.
