Nike is under federal investigation for its diversity policies, and the allegation is turning heads

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced that it has opened a federal investigation into Nike, alleging the company’s diversity policies may discriminate against white employees and job applicants. As reported by The New York Times, the inquiry centers on whether aspects of Nike’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs violate federal employment law.

In a statement, the agency said it is examining “systemic allegations of D.E.I.-related intentional race discrimination” involving white employees, job seekers, and participants in company training programs. Nike is a high-profile target given its size, global reach, and influence within the athletic apparel industry.

The move is notable because it appears to be the first time the E.E.O.C. has directly targeted a major corporation’s D.E.I. framework in this manner. The commission was established under the Civil Rights Act to enforce fair employment practices and prevent discrimination in hiring and workplace decisions.

The inquiry reflects a shift in enforcement priorities

The investigation is the most significant enforcement action announced under E.E.O.C. Chair Andrea Lucas, who took the role last year and has made scrutiny of D.E.I. initiatives a central focus. Broader political attention on institutional decision-making has been reflected in recent political coverage about Elon Musk and Trump’s Commerce Secretary’s links to Epstein files.

The E.E.O.C. disclosed the investigation when it filed a motion in federal court in Missouri seeking to force Nike to comply with a subpoena issued in September. Court records show Lucas initially filed the discrimination charge against Nike in 2024, when she was still a commissioner and the agency held a Democratic majority, compared to its current 2-to-1 Republican split.

According to the filing, the agency is seeking information “directly relevant to the allegations that Nike subjected white employees, applicants, and training program participants to disparate treatment based on race in various employment decisions.” The request covers areas such as layoffs, internship programs, and career development initiatives, including mentoring and leadership training.

Nike has pushed back on the subpoena, arguing that its scope is excessive. Company lawyers described the request as “broad, ambiguous and unduly burdensome,” noting that it seeks documents dating back to 2018, while acknowledging that thousands of records and written responses have already been provided.

In a statement, Nike said it was surprised by the escalation and emphasized its cooperation to date. The company said it has engaged in “extensive, good-faith participation in an E.E.O.C. inquiry into our personnel practices, programs, and decisions.”

The investigation comes as Nike continues efforts to stabilize its business following a prolonged sales slowdown and internal restructuring. Ongoing scrutiny of institutional behavior has also surfaced in unrelated reporting of a recent law enforcement officer’s background.

Nike has publicly committed to workforce diversity goals in recent years, including representation targets and leadership benchmarks tied to compensation. The outcome of the E.E.O.C. investigation will determine whether those efforts comply with federal employment law.