The EEOC sued Nike over alleged discrimination against white workers, citing non-compliance with a document subpoena.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a federal enforcement action against Nike, seeking documents related to allegations of discrimination against white employees in hiring, promotions, layoffs, and access to leadership programs. The investigation, launched under EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, focuses on Nike’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives since 2018, including race-based hiring goals and 16 programs with restricted participation. The EEOC claims Nike failed to fully comply with a subpoena, prompting the legal move in Missouri. Nike denies the allegations, stating it has cooperated and provided thousands of pages of documents, calling the enforcement action an “unusual escalation.” The probe reflects broader federal scrutiny of corporate DEI programs under the Trump administration, which aims to ensure evenhanded enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.