by News 3 Staff

Sat, March 1st 2025 at 8:33 PM

Updated Sat, March 1st 2025 at 8:35 PM

Economic blackout protest targets major retailers over DEI rollbacks (KSNV)

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A grassroots organization, the People’s Union USA, is calling for a nationwide “economic blackout” today, urging consumers to boycott major retailers for 24 hours and shop locally instead.

This protest is in response to several companies rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

The organization’s website stated, “The abandonment of diversity and inclusion is regressive and unacceptable, and every American deserves equal chances to succeed.”

During visits to stores around the valley, some shoppers were surprised by the emptiness.

One shopper remarked, “Coming in here actually, I was just wondering … is there something wrong going on? It sounds pretty good because … but only for emergencies.”

While there is no estimate on how the lack of business will impact major corporations, organizers said the “economic blackout” aims to demonstrate that consumer choices and spending power can influence corporate policies.