Translated with AI
US authorities have launched an investigation into Nike for alleged discrimination against white employees and applicants. The investigation was initiated by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in light of the company's ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to the Associated Press.
According to the agency, the EEOC filed a lawsuit in federal court in Missouri, seeking to compel Nike to comply with a request for information that the commission believes the company did not provide in full.
Specifically, the commission is demanding disclosure of the criteria for selecting employees for layoffs, information about how the company collects and uses data on the race and ethnicity of workers, and information about mentoring and career development programs that are believed to have been restricted based on race.
The EEOC believes Nike may have engaged in differential treatment of white employees, applicants, and training program participants, including in hiring, promotion, and termination.
Nike called the commission's actions an "unusual escalation" and stated that the company is cooperating with the regulator and has already provided a significant amount of requested data. A company spokesperson emphasized that Nike is committed to equality and believes the allegations are unfounded.
As the Associated Press notes, the investigation comes amid growing scrutiny by US federal authorities of corporate DEI practices. The Trump administration previously announced its intention to investigate whether such initiatives lead to so-called reverse discrimination.
The EEOC issued a similar subpoena to financial services company Northwestern Mutual in November 2025, the agency said.
