US probes Nike over white workers discrimination claims

BBC:

Nike is under investigation by the US government over claims the footwear giant discriminated against white workers.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces workplace discrimination laws, announced on Wednesday it has demanded company records going back to 2018, including the use of race and ethnicity data, and whether such information influenced executive pay.

Court documents show it is examining claims the firm engaged “in a pattern or practice of disparate treatment against white employees, applicants, and training program participants”.

Nike said it was “committed to fair and lawful employment practices”, calling the inquiry “a surprising and unusual escalation”.

In a statement, the company said it followed all laws against discrimination.

“We believe our programs and practices are consistent with those obligations and take these matters seriously. We will continue our attempt to cooperate with the EEOC and will respond to the petition.”

The decision to go to battle with Nike, a high-profile consumer brand, is one of the first major actions the EEOC has taken under US President Donald Trump, who has attacked diversity initiatives, saying they amount to “reverse discrimination”.

The EEOC said its investigation was sparked by a 2024 complaint from America First Legal, a partisan organisation founded by Trump adviser Stephen Miller that identifies “dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion” or DEI as a top priority.

In its subpoena request, the EEOC said Nike had failed to fully respond to requests seeking information about the firm’s hiring, training and promotion practices, as well as hiring goals for racial and ethnic minorities.

Those requests started 13 months ago and included a prior subpoena, according to the court filing.

“Nike’s failure to comply … has delayed and hampered the EEOC’s investigation of alleged unlawful employment practices,” court documents stated.