What's happened
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is investigating Nike for alleged systemic race discrimination against white employees. The probe, initiated in May 2024, focuses on hiring, layoffs, and career development programs, amid political shifts against diversity initiatives under the Trump administration. The investigation is ongoing as of February 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The EEOC's investigation into Nike reflects a broader political and legal shift against DEI initiatives in the US workforce. The agency, led by Andrea Lucas, is prioritizing enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, specifically targeting race-based programs that may violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This move signals a potential rollback of corporate diversity efforts, aligning with the Trump administration's policies. Nike's case exemplifies how corporate diversity strategies are now subject to legal scrutiny, which could lead to significant legal and reputational consequences for companies pursuing race-conscious policies. The investigation also underscores the ongoing ideological battle over how race and employment should intersect, with implications for future corporate practices and civil rights enforcement.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that the EEOC's investigation is the first major case under Andrea Lucas, who has made DEI programs a target since her appointment. Al Jazeera highlights the political context, noting that Lucas, appointed by Trump, emphasizes that US anti-discrimination law is 'colour-blind.' AP News details the legal process, including Nike's cooperation and the scope of the subpoena. Business Insider UK emphasizes that this investigation marks a significant escalation, with Nike being the highest-profile target so far. The Guardian notes the broader legal and political environment, including the EEOC's focus on race-related employment practices and Lucas's role in enforcing civil rights laws.
How we got here
The investigation stems from allegations that Nike engaged in systemic race discrimination, particularly against white employees, in hiring, layoffs, and career development. The EEOC's actions follow a broader political context where the Trump administration has sought to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including signing executive orders to limit such programs in federal agencies and private companies. Nike's efforts to increase diversity, including tying executive pay to DEI goals, have come under scrutiny amid these political shifts.
Go deeper
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