Nike Faces Civil Rights Investigation Over Claims White Workers Were Treated Unfairly
Nike Faces Civil Rights Investigation Over Claims White Workers Were Treated Unfairly
Federal regulators are intensifying their scrutiny of Nike after allegations that the athletic giant discriminated against white employees through its workplace policies.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission asked a federal court in Missouri to enforce a subpoena against Nike as part of an ongoing investigation into claims that white workers were treated unfairly because of their race. The legal move marks a significant escalation in a case that has been unfolding for more than a year.
The EEOC’s petition argues that Nike has not fully complied with requests for information tied to allegations that the company engaged “in a pattern or practice of disparate treatment against White employees.” According to the filing, the claims cover a wide range of employment decisions, including hiring, layoffs, training programs, internships, mentoring opportunities, and executive compensation practices.
The investigation stems from a 2024 discrimination charge filed by EEOC Commissioner Andrea Lucas, who contends that Nike’s diversity initiatives may have crossed into unlawful race-based decision-making. The filing highlights concerns over alleged “race-based workforce representation quotas,” defining “aggrieved individuals” as “all White employees,” along with former and prospective workers.
Federal officials say Nike failed to adequately respond to subpoenas seeking documents related to programs such as the company’s “Diverse Slates” initiative and its use of racial workforce data. While Nike did submit some materials, the EEOC argues the response was incomplete.
Nike pushed back, calling the government’s action “a surprising and unusual escalation.” The company said it has participated in the inquiry in “good-faith,” adding, “We have shared thousands of pages of information and detailed written responses to the EEOC’s inquiry and are in the process of providing additional information.”
The case unfolds amid a broader political crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under Donald Trump, whose administration has encouraged white workers to report alleged workplace discrimination. In a video posted last December, Lucas echoed that call directly.
“Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?” she asked. “You may have a claim to recover money under federal civil rights laws.”
