Target Rehires North Dakota Woman After Firing Over ‘Trust In Jesus’ Nametag
Target has rehired a North Dakota woman after a controversial incident in which she was fired for reportedly violating the store’s dress code. Denise Kendrick, an employee at the Fargo Target location, had written “Trust in Jesus” along with a cross on her name tag, a decision that ultimately led to her termination on November 16, 2024.
According to Kendrick, a manager instructed her to remove the name tag, citing it as a dress code violation. Kendrick, who had seen other employees wearing name tags with rainbows, refused to comply, stating, “Well, I’ve seen people with rainbows on theirs. I’m going to continue to wear this name tag.” Her refusal to remove the name tag resulted in her being fired, though when she requested a written explanation for her termination, she was not provided one.
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
Kendrick recounted her conversation with the store management, saying they handed her a sheet of paper with phone numbers and repeated that she could contact one of them if she had questions. “It was just going back and forth, and it was going nowhere,” she said, expressing frustration over the lack of clear communication.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, sparking backlash against the retailer, with many expressing their dissatisfaction with the decision. As the controversy grew, a Target spokesperson announced that after reviewing the situation, the company had determined that Kendrick should not have been terminated. The spokesperson apologized to Kendrick and offered to reinstate her immediately. Kendrick accepted the offer and was reinstated to her position at the Fargo store.
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
The firing and subsequent rehiring sparked mixed reactions. While some social media users expressed support for Kendrick’s right to express her faith, others criticized Target’s handling of the situation. One user wrote, “I don’t shop at Target! I hope that lady sues Target for wrongful termination!” while another pointed out the apparent inconsistency in the store’s dress code policies.
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
This incident highlights the ongoing cultural debates surrounding freedom of expression and workplace policies, particularly in companies with a reputation for progressive values. It also underscores the tensions between employees’ rights to personal expression and corporate guidelines on appearance and behavior.