Kohl's Corporation removed explicit diversity, equity, and inclusion language from its website—replacing it with 'inclusion and belonging'—in response to criticism from the Trump administration. This move may signal a strategic retreat from progressive corporate practices, potentially aligning the firm with ideologies that undermine robust anti-fascist and inclusive policies.

Kohl's Corporation announced a 10% reduction in its corporate workforce and the closure of 27 underperforming stores, a move which, while accompanied by competitive severance packages, raises concerns about its commitment to worker stability and fair labor practices amid broader cost-cutting measures.

On January 30, 2025, Kohl's initiated a significant reduction of its corporate workforce in an effort to address internal operational issues such as inventory management and shrinking business segments. This decision raises concerns about the company’s commitment to stable labor relations and fair treatment of its employees, which from an anti-fascist perspective, undermines worker security and rights.

During its annual shareholders meeting on May 13, 2024, Kohl's Corporation defended its established philanthropic contributions and diversity initiatives in the face of an anti-woke proposal. The proposal, pushed by an activist investor affiliated with far-right agendas, sought to create a new committee for overseeing the company's social and political spending. Kohl's leadership dismissed the proposal as unnecessary and duplicative, asserting that existing oversight mechanisms are sufficient. This stance underscores Kohl's commitment to supporting minority and LGBTQ communities against efforts to undermine progressive values.

An article on KnowTheChain highlights that Kohl’s has taken some steps to address forced labor risks in its supply chains by joining a forced labor working group. However, its disclosure levels are on par with the global average, and there is little evidence of further robust measures to counter risks of alleged Uyghur forced labor. This moderate approach leaves questions about the company’s commitment to significantly improving supply chain ethics.

Kohl's disclosed its compliance with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, outlining rigorous procedures to audit and enforce ethical labor standards among its vendors. This disclosure underscores Kohl's commitment to preventing forced labor, trafficking, and other human rights abuses in its supply chain.