US Labor Agency Investigates Nike for Alleged Racial Bias Against White Workers
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has launched an investigation into Nike, alleging that the sports apparel giant discriminated against white workers through its diversity and inclusion policies. The agency claims that Nike's hiring practices, including the selection of employees for redundancies, may have been biased against white candidates.
According to EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, a Trump appointee known for her conservative views on racial diversity initiatives, the commission is taking a tough stance on enforcing Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion or sex, but Lucas believes that the agency should also focus on protecting employees of "all races."
The investigation centers on Nike's response to a subpoena for information related to its diversity and inclusion policies. The company was asked to provide details on how it selects employees for redundancies, sets executives' pay, and implements other programs aimed at promoting diversity in the workplace.
Nike has failed to respond to the agency's requests for information, prompting the EEOC to take action. The commission believes that Nike may be engaging in "intentional race discrimination" against white workers, which is a serious offense under US labor laws.
The investigation into Nike marks the latest move by the Trump administration to roll back diversity and inclusion policies in the workplace. In one of his first acts after returning to the White House, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at abolishing radical DEI initiatives introduced by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Nike has faced criticism for its support of social justice causes such as Black Lives Matter prior to Trump's re-election in 2024. The company has made efforts to increase diversity among its workforce, with the share of non-white employees rising more than four percentage points between 2020 and 2021.
As the investigation into Nike continues, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on the company's diversity and inclusion policies. However, one thing is clear: the US labor agency is taking a strong stance in enforcing its laws to protect workers of all racial backgrounds.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has launched an investigation into Nike, alleging that the sports apparel giant discriminated against white workers through its diversity and inclusion policies. The agency claims that Nike's hiring practices, including the selection of employees for redundancies, may have been biased against white candidates.
According to EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, a Trump appointee known for her conservative views on racial diversity initiatives, the commission is taking a tough stance on enforcing Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion or sex, but Lucas believes that the agency should also focus on protecting employees of "all races."
The investigation centers on Nike's response to a subpoena for information related to its diversity and inclusion policies. The company was asked to provide details on how it selects employees for redundancies, sets executives' pay, and implements other programs aimed at promoting diversity in the workplace.
Nike has failed to respond to the agency's requests for information, prompting the EEOC to take action. The commission believes that Nike may be engaging in "intentional race discrimination" against white workers, which is a serious offense under US labor laws.
The investigation into Nike marks the latest move by the Trump administration to roll back diversity and inclusion policies in the workplace. In one of his first acts after returning to the White House, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at abolishing radical DEI initiatives introduced by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Nike has faced criticism for its support of social justice causes such as Black Lives Matter prior to Trump's re-election in 2024. The company has made efforts to increase diversity among its workforce, with the share of non-white employees rising more than four percentage points between 2020 and 2021.
As the investigation into Nike continues, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on the company's diversity and inclusion policies. However, one thing is clear: the US labor agency is taking a strong stance in enforcing its laws to protect workers of all racial backgrounds.