Nike probed by Trump appointee over claims of bias against white workers | Donald Trump News
Nike Under Investigation for Alleged Employment Discrimination
BEAVERTON, Ore. — Nike is under investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for allegations of discrimination against white employees stemming from its diversity and inclusion policies.
On Wednesday, the EEOC filed a court motion compelling Nike to provide information related to claims of “intentional race discrimination.” The agency’s focus is on a possible pattern of discriminatory practices affecting hiring, promotions, layoffs, and other career development opportunities.
According to the EEOC, the action followed Nike’s failure to respond to a subpoena seeking details on the criteria used in employee selections for layoffs and executive compensation.
EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, who was appointed last year by former President Donald Trump, asserted that U.S. anti-discrimination law must protect employees of all races. “Thanks to President Trump’s commitment to enforcing our nation’s civil rights laws, the EEOC has renewed its focus on even-handed enforcement of Title VII,” she stated, referencing the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, or sex.
As of now, Nike has not commented on the investigation.
This move by the EEOC is viewed as part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to reevaluate and potentially roll back workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Shortly after re-entering the White House, Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling what he termed “radical” and “wasteful” diversity initiatives introduced by his predecessor, President Joe Biden.
Nike has historically supported social justice causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement, particularly before the 2024 presidential election. From 2020 to 2021, the percentage of non-white employees at Nike increased by more than four percentage points, ranking it among the top firms, according to a Bloomberg analysis of employment data reported to the EEOC.
