Sportswear giant Nike is facing a federal investigation over allegations it may have discriminated against white employees, with US regulators seeking access to internal company documents linked to ‘diversity policies’.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has asked the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri to require Nike to provide records relating to its human resources practices, including policies tied to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
According to the EEOC, the investigation is examining whether white employees or job applicants were subjected to unequal treatment in areas such as hiring, promotions, layoffs and training opportunities. The inquiry is reportedly focused on allegations of systemic violations dating back to 2018.
EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas said workplace discrimination laws are intended to be “colourblind” and require protection for employees of all races against unlawful employment practices.
Nike has described the subpoena request as an unexpected escalation, stating it had already provided extensive documentation. The company said it remains committed to lawful and fair employment practices and complies with anti-discrimination laws.
Debate over DEI programmrs has intensified in recent years, with critics arguing such initiatives can disadvantage white individuals. US President Donald Trump has previously said he believes there is “a definite anti-white feeling” in the country. Following his return to office in 2025, Trump signed executive orders aimed at rolling back DEI programmes across the civil service, while some major corporations, including Walmart and Google, have since removed DEI-related commitments from their public websites.
