US Agency Accuses Nike of Discriminating Against White Workers

Federal Investigation Targets Nike's Diversity Programs

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has launched a major investigation into Nike, accusing the global sportswear giant of systematically discriminating against white employees and job applicants through its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The federal agency filed a subpoena enforcement action in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri to compel Nike to produce extensive documentation about its employment practices.

Scope of the Investigation

The EEOC's investigation focuses on whether Nike engaged in 'a pattern or practice of disparate treatment against White employees' in hiring, promotion, demotion, separation decisions, internship programs, and career development opportunities. The subpoena seeks information dating back to 2018, including criteria for layoffs, use of race/ethnicity data in executive compensation, and details about 16 allegedly race-restricted programs.

EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, appointed by President Trump, emphasized the agency's position: 'Title VII's prohibition of race-based discrimination is colorblind and requires protection for employees of all races.' Lucas had previously made headlines in 2025 when she posted on social media encouraging white men to come forward if they felt discriminated against at work.

Nike's Response and DEI Goals

Nike has expressed surprise at the legal action, calling it 'a surprising and unusual escalation' in a statement. The company claims to have already provided thousands of pages of information and answers to questions. 'We have been cooperating fully with the EEOC's investigation and have provided extensive documentation,' a Nike spokesperson stated.

The investigation reportedly stems from Nike's public diversity goals, including a target to have 35% of its workforce consist of ethnic minorities by 2025. According to Nike's own DEI progress reports, the company has actually exceeded these targets, achieving 41% representation of racial and ethnic minorities in its corporate workforce.

Political Context and Broader Implications

This investigation represents one of the first major actions under the Trump administration's pledge to crack down on corporate DEI policies. The administration has threatened sanctions against foreign companies doing business with the U.S. that actively pursue policies to hire more people of color or other minorities.

According to court documents, Lucas had already accused Nike of discrimination in 2024, before becoming EEOC chair. The conservative organization America First Legal, founded by Trump advisor Stephen Miller, reportedly sent a letter to the EEOC about Nike several months before the investigation began.

The Nike case is part of a broader pattern of EEOC actions under the Trump administration. The agency has recently settled cases with major law firms and recovered over $215,000 in racial harassment cases while emphasizing what it calls 'merit-based employment practices.'

Industry Impact and Legal Precedent

Nike, which employs approximately 83,700 people worldwide according to Wikipedia data, is by far the largest company targeted in such an investigation. The outcome could set important legal precedents for how companies implement diversity initiatives while complying with federal anti-discrimination laws.

The case highlights the complex intersection of corporate social responsibility, employment law, and political ideology. As companies like Nike face increasing pressure to demonstrate their commitment to diversity, they must navigate evolving legal interpretations of what constitutes permissible affirmative action versus illegal discrimination.