Federal investigators are probing the sports apparel giant Nike over claims that it has been discriminating against white workers in favor of more diverse employees. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a court motion to compel Nike to produce information related to allegations of "intentional race discrimination" against white employees.
According to the EEOC, the investigation centers on claims that Nike's diversity and inclusion policies have unfairly targeted white workers in hiring, promotion, demotion, or separation decisions. This includes selection for layoffs, internship programs, mentoring, leadership development, and other career development initiatives.
EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, a Trump appointee who has been critical of racial diversity initiatives, says US anti-discrimination law is "color-blind" and protects employees of all races. However, Nike claims it supports fair employment practices and follows all applicable laws.
The investigation comes as the Biden administration's efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace face increased pushback from the Trump administration. Last year, President Trump signed an executive order to abolish "radical" and "wasteful" DEI initiatives introduced under his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Nike has made significant strides in increasing its workforce diversity since 2020, with a rise of over four percentage points in non-white employees. The company publicly backed social justice causes such as Black Lives Matter prior to Trump's re-election in 2024.
The EEOC's action marks the latest move by the Trump administration to roll back policies promoting DEI in the workplace, sparking concerns that the agency is being used to target companies with more diverse workforces.
According to the EEOC, the investigation centers on claims that Nike's diversity and inclusion policies have unfairly targeted white workers in hiring, promotion, demotion, or separation decisions. This includes selection for layoffs, internship programs, mentoring, leadership development, and other career development initiatives.
EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, a Trump appointee who has been critical of racial diversity initiatives, says US anti-discrimination law is "color-blind" and protects employees of all races. However, Nike claims it supports fair employment practices and follows all applicable laws.
The investigation comes as the Biden administration's efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace face increased pushback from the Trump administration. Last year, President Trump signed an executive order to abolish "radical" and "wasteful" DEI initiatives introduced under his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Nike has made significant strides in increasing its workforce diversity since 2020, with a rise of over four percentage points in non-white employees. The company publicly backed social justice causes such as Black Lives Matter prior to Trump's re-election in 2024.
The EEOC's action marks the latest move by the Trump administration to roll back policies promoting DEI in the workplace, sparking concerns that the agency is being used to target companies with more diverse workforces.
I mean they've been trying to seem inclusive for years but now it's coming back to bite them. The fact that EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas is on board with this investigation just shows how backwards the Trump admin is thinking 
. They're always talking about "color-blind" laws but let's be real, people are not all equal in opportunities and treatment. I'm low-key hoping they get called out for some serious shady practices 
... Nike gets hit for trying to do good and now they're getting dragged through the mud because of it? It's just not fair 
. I mean, they've been making a real effort to increase diversity in their workforce since 2020 and this is what happens? The government starts questioning them about it? 
It's like they're saying that if you want to be a good company, you have to actively discriminate against certain groups of people... that doesn't make sense 
. And now Andrea Lucas is coming out and saying that US anti-discrimination law is "color-blind"? What does that even mean? 
Are they seriously trying to turn this around on the EEOC and say it's all just about being inclusive? 
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And what's with Andrea Lucas? She's got some major bias going on. I mean, come on, color-blind laws don't work that way in practice... 
Anyway, I'm low-key relieved the Biden admin is pushing back against this nonsense, but at the same time, it's just so frustrating that we're still having to deal with all this drama in the workplace. Can't companies just get along and treat everyone fairly without having to be probed by the government? 
and i love how the EEOC is pushing back against those who say anti-discrimination laws are "color-blind" - that's just not true, folks! 
we need to make sure everyone has an equal chance to succeed in the workplace. plus, it's awesome that Nike is being recognized for its efforts to increase diversity and inclusion - they're doing some amazing work 
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- it's like Nike has finally been held accountable for their diversity and inclusion efforts. I mean, they've been trying to be more inclusive for years, but still, allegations of discrimination have surfaced 
. The EEOC is stepping in because someone needs to ensure that these claims are taken seriously and investigated properly 
. I hope Nike comes clean and takes responsibility for any wrongdoing... we need more transparency and accountability in our workplaces 
just saw that Nike's under fire for allegedly discriminatin against white workers 
apparently they're bein investigated by the EEOC for unfair treatment of white employees in hiring & promotion 
wonder what's really goin on here 
Anyway, I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this all plays out...
. Nike's all about being "color-blind" now, but what's really going on? Are they genuinely committed to fair hiring practices or is this just a PR stunt? 
It feels like the Trump administration is trying to dismantle DEI initiatives and replace them with something entirely different. I just hope companies like Nike aren't getting caught in the crossfire 
... by the way, did we discuss this topic before? 