US Investigation Targets Nike for Discrimination Against White Employees
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission probes Nike for alleged anti-white bias in diversity policies, reflecting a broader crackdown on such initiatives under Trump’s administration.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a court document stating that the footwear and apparel company is refusing to comply with an extensive subpoena. The subpoena requests information such as the racial and ethnic composition of the workforce, as well as lists of employees selected for mentoring and development programs.
The EEOC is examining whether Nike has engaged in intentional discrimination against white employees and applicants, including disproportionate targeting in layoffs. This information is considered necessary to determine if there has been a violation of the law. Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Trump administration attacks diversity policies
This investigation is the latest move by Republican President Donald Trump and his appointees, aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion policies from the government, the private sector, and higher education.
Critics of such programs argue that they undermine merit-based decisions and may lead to reverse discrimination against white people and men.
EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas has stated that many common workplace diversity programs may be illegal. Her agency will investigate and possibly sue companies for violations of laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and other characteristics.
In November, the EEOC accused Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance of failing to comply with a subpoena related to allegations of discrimination against white men. The company denied any wrongdoing and characterized the subpoena as overly broad, noting it was sparked by a single employee complaint.
The organization America First Legal, founded by Trump’s top adviser Stephen Miller, filed complaints with the EEOC against several major companies, including Nike, during the tenure of Democratic former President Joe Biden.
EEOC investigations typically begin with employee complaints, but in Nike’s case, it originated from a rare “commissioner charge” initiated by Lucas in May 2024, according to the document filed in federal court in St. Louis, Missouri.
In a statement, Lucas emphasized that when there is strong evidence that an employer’s diversity policies are illegal, “the EEOC will take all necessary steps—including enforcement actions to compel compliance—to ensure the opportunity for a full and thorough investigation.”
