US Agency Launches Investigation into Nike Over Allegations of Racial Discrimination Against White Employees
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has initiated an investigation into sports giant Nike, alleging that the company discriminated against white employees and job applicants. The agency is seeking information from Nike related to its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including data on employee selection for layoffs, tracking of worker race and ethnicity, and programs offering racial-restricted mentoring opportunities.
Nike, which described the investigation as "surprising and unusual," maintains that it adheres to all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination. However, the company's actions have been scrutinized by President Donald Trump's administration, which has implemented a broader crackdown on diversity initiatives deemed "radical."
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The agency has the authority to investigate charges against employers covered by these laws.
In a statement, Nike spokesperson acknowledged receiving thousands of pages of information from the EEOC and expressed willingness to cooperate. "We have shared extensive information and will continue to provide additional data," the spokesperson said.
The investigation raises concerns about the enforcement of Title VII, a federal law that prohibits racial employment discrimination. The chair of the EEOC, Andrea Lucas, emphasized the agency's commitment to enforcing this law, stating that she is dedicated to protecting employees of all races from unlawful employment practices.
Lucas's appointment as acting head of the EEOC by President Trump in 2025 has been seen as an effort to undo diversity initiatives implemented during the Biden administration. The investigation into Nike follows a broader trend of targeting diversity programs and initiatives by the Trump administration, which seeks to eliminate what it considers "equity-related" grants or contracts.
The EEOC's inquiry into Nike's personnel practices and decisions is likely to shed light on the extent to which the company has implemented measures to promote diversity and inclusion in its workforce. The agency's actions are a reminder of the importance of fair and lawful employment practices, particularly in an era marked by increased scrutiny of corporate actions related to diversity and inclusion.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has initiated an investigation into sports giant Nike, alleging that the company discriminated against white employees and job applicants. The agency is seeking information from Nike related to its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including data on employee selection for layoffs, tracking of worker race and ethnicity, and programs offering racial-restricted mentoring opportunities.
Nike, which described the investigation as "surprising and unusual," maintains that it adheres to all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination. However, the company's actions have been scrutinized by President Donald Trump's administration, which has implemented a broader crackdown on diversity initiatives deemed "radical."
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The agency has the authority to investigate charges against employers covered by these laws.
In a statement, Nike spokesperson acknowledged receiving thousands of pages of information from the EEOC and expressed willingness to cooperate. "We have shared extensive information and will continue to provide additional data," the spokesperson said.
The investigation raises concerns about the enforcement of Title VII, a federal law that prohibits racial employment discrimination. The chair of the EEOC, Andrea Lucas, emphasized the agency's commitment to enforcing this law, stating that she is dedicated to protecting employees of all races from unlawful employment practices.
Lucas's appointment as acting head of the EEOC by President Trump in 2025 has been seen as an effort to undo diversity initiatives implemented during the Biden administration. The investigation into Nike follows a broader trend of targeting diversity programs and initiatives by the Trump administration, which seeks to eliminate what it considers "equity-related" grants or contracts.
The EEOC's inquiry into Nike's personnel practices and decisions is likely to shed light on the extent to which the company has implemented measures to promote diversity and inclusion in its workforce. The agency's actions are a reminder of the importance of fair and lawful employment practices, particularly in an era marked by increased scrutiny of corporate actions related to diversity and inclusion.
I'm kinda surprised Nike got investigated over this. I mean, I know there's been some pushback from the Trump admin on diversity initiatives but come on... a sports giant like Nike can't just claim they're all about equality if they're discriminating against white employees? It just doesn't add up. The fact that they've shared thousands of pages of info with the EEOC is a good start, but we need to see real change here. Transparency and accountability are key when it comes to issues like this. Let's hope the EEOC gets to the bottom of things and Nike starts making some serious changes 
This is so crazy! I feel bad for Nike but at the same time it's like they should've been prepared for this since everyone knows about these issues. Anyway, I hope they get their act together and show some real progress in diversity & inclusion. It's not just about being PC, it's about creating a workplace where EVERYONE feels welcome & valued 
. The EEOC is doing its job, and honestly, we need more of that! 
. the fact that trump's administration is cracking down on diversity initiatives is weird tho... can't we just promote equality and inclusivity in the workplace? 
it's not like it's gonna hurt anyone to have more diverse teams and employees 
anyway, i hope this investigation sheds some light on what's really going on at nike 
. I feel bad for the employees who might be affected by their decisions though. You gotta wonder if there's even a level playing field anymore. Can you really trust that everyone is treated equally? It's just weird to me that it takes an investigation like this for people to speak up and demand fairness 
.
. like, i get it, they want to make sure they're not discriminatin' against anyone, but come on, they gotta be more transparent about their hiring process and stuff. if they're already willin' to share all these pages of info with the eeco, then why are people still skeptical? 
. Like, what even is the point of that? Isn't it better for companies to support each other rather than just focusing on making a profit? 
. It's all about finding common ground and making sure everyone has an equal chance to succeed.
. I mean, can't we just focus on being good employers and treating people with respect? 
It doesn't matter what color your skin is or where you're from - if you've got skills and want a job, you should be able to get it.
. Let's focus on being inclusive and making sure everyone feels welcome at work! 
i feel like we're regressing as a society Nike has always been about promoting inclusivity and diversity but now they're being scrutinized for not doing enough? it's like, what even is the goal here? 
I'm not sure what the investigation will reveal, but hopefully it'll help us get to the bottom of things and make workplaces safer and more equal for everyone. 
i mean they're not exactly bein transparent about their hiring processes, right? and yeah, it's sus that trump's admin is tryin to crack down on diversity initiatives... like, isn't the point of inclusivity to bring in new perspectives? 
it's like they're tryin to cover their tracks or somethin... maybe they're just good at spinnin' things 
. The fact that Nike is saying they're doing everything right just doesn't ring true to me 
NIKKEY'S GOTTA STEP UP THEIR GAME WHEN IT COMES TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION!!! 
THE EEOC NEEDS TO KEEP AN EYE ON ALL EMPLOYERS, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR CULTURE IS. 