EEOC investigating Nike over diversity discrimination allegations

The federal company that enforces U.S. office discrimination legal guidelines mentioned Wednesday it’s investigating Nike over allegations that its variety initiatives unlawfully discriminated towards white workers and job candidates, in keeping with a lawsuit.

Reuters reported that the Equal Employment Alternative Fee (EEOC) mentioned Nike has refused to adjust to a subpoena requesting info, together with knowledge on the racial and ethnic make-up of the worldwide athletic attire and footwear firm primarily based in Beaverton, Oregon.

The subpoenas additionally request a choice of workers chosen for mentoring and improvement applications.

The committee mentioned the investigation focuses on claims that Nike intentionally handled white workers and job candidates unfairly, together with allegations that they have been disproportionately focused for layoffs.

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The EEOC is investigating Nike over allegations that its variety initiatives unlawfully discriminated towards white workers and candidates throughout layoffs. (istock)

The company mentioned it’s searching for the data to find out whether or not Nike violated federal anti-discrimination legislation.

FOX Enterprise has reached out to Nike for remark.

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A girl passes a Nike retailer in Portland, Oregon. (Natalie Behring/Bloomberg through Getty Photos)

The event comes almost every week after Nike mentioned it plans to chop 775 jobs, primarily affecting its distribution facilities in Tennessee and Mississippi, as the corporate seems to automate extra of its provide chain.

A Nike spokesperson beforehand advised FOX Enterprise that the corporate is streamlining and consolidating its operations – particularly inside its U.S. distribution community – to maneuver sooner, enhance effectivity and spend money on know-how, automation and workforce expertise.

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The EEOC is investigating whether or not Nike’s variety applications unlawfully discriminated towards white workers and job candidates. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg through Getty Photos)

The layoffs on the distribution heart comply with comparable strikes by Nike over the previous two years geared toward reorganizing operations and enhancing monetary efficiency.

Nike mentioned in August final yr that it deliberate to chop lower than 1% of the corporate’s workforce as a part of a turnaround beneath CEO Elliott Hill.

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In February 2024, the corporate introduced it could reduce 2% of its workforce, impacting greater than 1,600 workers.

FOX Enterprise’ Eric Revell and Reuters contributed to this report.