American agency accuses Nike of discriminating against white people

The US federal agency responsible for enforcing workplace anti-discrimination laws has launched an investigation into Nike over allegations that its diversity and inclusion programs unlawfully discriminated against white employees and job applicants.

According to Reuters, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) stated in a court filing that Nike is refusing to fully comply with a court order seeking data on the racial and ethnic composition of employees at the global sportswear company based in Beaverton, Oregon. The agency is also seeking a list of employees selected for mentorship and professional development programs.

According to the EEOC, the investigation focuses on allegations that Nike intentionally treated white employees and job applicants unfavorably, including claims that they were disproportionately affected by layoffs. The agency's goal is to determine whether the company violated federal laws prohibiting race-based discrimination.

Nike rejected the EEOC's characterization of its cooperation, pointing out that the company participated in the investigation „fully and in good faith.“.

„This appears to be a surprising and unusual escalation,“ a Nike spokesperson told FOX Business. „We have provided thousands of pages of documents and detailed written responses and are continuing to cooperate with the agency.“

The company emphasized that it is a „proud American company“ committed to fair and lawful hiring practices.

This investigation comes a week after Nike announced a plan to cut 775 jobs, mostly at distribution centers in Tennessee and Mississippi, as part of a shift toward greater supply chain automation.

Previously, the company explained that it is carrying out restructuring to improve efficiency, invest in technology, and modernize its workforce. Over the past two years, Nike has already implemented several rounds of layoffs — including a reduction of under % of its corporate workforce last August and the elimination of 2% of jobs in February 2024, which affected over 1,600 employees.

An EEOC investigation could have significant legal and reputational consequences for the company, especially at a time when major corporations are facing increasing pressure over diversity and hiring policies.

SOURCE: FOX32NEWS PHOTO: PEXELS