Nike is being investigated for anti-white discrimination. It could upend corporate DEI.

"The federal agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws in the workplace made an unexpected disclosure this week: Nike was under investigation for its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, due to claims that the company had discriminated against white employees and job applicants. The investigation suggests that Nike's diversity goals and other DEI initiatives led the company to hire non-white workers to meet quotas or award them with more opportunities for career advancement, thereby discriminating against white workers."

"It is notable as the first major legal undertaking by Andrea Lucas, who President Trump installed as the chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) last year. But it also indicates that Lucas is serious about targeting corporate employers over alleged discrimination against white workers, which she has clearly signaled is a priority for the agency under the Trump administration. "It is designed to instill fear into the hearts of large companies," says Chai Feldblum, a former EEOC commissioner and a member of EEO Leaders, a group of former senior officials who worked at the EEOC and Department of Labor under multiple administrations. "If they're afraid, then small companies will be afraid. And the point is to chill any form of equity and diversity efforts, even legal ones.""

The EEOC disclosed an investigation into Nike over allegations that DEI goals led to discrimination against white employees and applicants. The claims assert that diversity initiatives resulted in hiring or promoting non-white workers to meet quotas or provide greater career opportunities, disadvantaging white candidates. The inquiry is the first major DEI-related enforcement action under EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas and signals a focus on alleged anti-white discrimination by the agency. Critics warn the publicized investigation could chill lawful equity and diversity efforts. EEOC probes typically end in dismissal or private conciliation when cause is found.

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