Nike faces federal probe over allegations of 'DEI-related' discrimination against white workers

Core Viewpoint - The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is investigating Nike for alleged discrimination against white employees through its diversity policies, marking a significant escalation in scrutiny of corporate diversity initiatives [1][2]. Investigation Details - The EEOC is seeking information on Nike's criteria for employee layoffs, how it tracks race and ethnicity data, and details about programs that may provide race-restricted mentoring and career development opportunities [2]. - Nike has stated that it has cooperated with the EEOC by providing thousands of pages of information and considers the subpoena an unusual escalation [2]. Context of the Investigation - Nike is the most prominent company currently under a formal anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) investigation by the EEOC, following a similar subpoena issued to Northwestern Mutual [3]. - EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas has emphasized that the agency will take necessary actions, including subpoenas, when there are indications that DEI programs may violate federal discrimination laws [4]. Background of the Complaint - The investigation against Nike was initiated by a commissioner's charge filed by Lucas, rather than stemming from a worker complaint, and was influenced by a letter from America First Legal, a conservative legal group [6]. - This investigation follows Lucas's public call for white men to report experiences of race or sex discrimination, indicating a shift in the agency's focus [5].