Nike Under Federal Investigation. Trump Admin Investigating Footwear Giant For Allegedly Discriminating Against White Employees
Nike is under federal investigation following allegations that some of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives may have resulted in unlawful race-based employment practices.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is examining whether Nike’s DEI-related programs violated federal civil rights laws by discriminating against white employees, applicants, or program participants.
EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas said the agency will pursue a thorough review when there are indications that workplace programs may conflict with federal anti-discrimination laws.
“When there are compelling indications, including corporate admissions in extensive public materials, that an employer’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-related programs may violate federal prohibitions against race discrimination or other forms of unlawful discrimination, the EEOC will take all necessary steps—including subpoena enforcement actions—to ensure the opportunity to fully and comprehensively investigate,” Lucas said.
Lucas emphasized that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits race-based employment discrimination against workers of any race. She also noted that the EEOC is focusing on enforcing these protections evenly.
Nike stated that it remains committed to fair and lawful employment practices.
According to an EEOC press release, the agency filed an action in federal court seeking to compel Nike to provide information related to the investigation. The EEOC is looking into whether Nike engaged in a “pattern or practice of disparate treatment” in areas such as hiring, promotions, layoffs, internships, mentoring, leadership development, and other career programs.
The EEOC’s subpoena requests information dating back to 2018. Among the materials sought are details about how employees were selected for layoffs, how race and ethnicity data may have been tracked or used, whether such data influenced executive compensation, and information regarding 16 programs that allegedly offered race-restricted mentoring, leadership, or career development opportunities.
After Nike did not provide all of the requested information, the EEOC filed a subpoena enforcement action in federal court to obtain the materials as part of its ongoing investigation.
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