SouthernWorldwide.com – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency tasked with enforcing anti-discrimination laws in the workplace, has announced it is investigating Nike.
The investigation centers on allegations that the sportswear giant has discriminated against its White employees. The EEOC stated that Nike may have engaged in a “pattern or practice of disparate treatment” concerning hiring, promotions, employee development, and layoffs.
This alleged discrimination reportedly affects White employees, applicants, and participants in training programs. The EEOC’s concerns are linked to Nike’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) objectives set for 2025.
A Nike spokesperson described the investigation as a “surprising and unusual escalation.” The company has stated it is providing information to the EEOC in an effort to “engage constructively.”
Nike maintains its commitment to fair and lawful employment practices, asserting that its programs and practices comply with all applicable laws, including those prohibiting discrimination. The company stated it takes these matters seriously and will continue to cooperate with the EEOC.
The EEOC initiated a subpoena enforcement action in federal court in Missouri. This legal step was taken after Nike reportedly failed to provide requested information. The agency had previously subpoenaed Nike for data dating back to 2018.
The requested information includes the criteria used for selecting employees for layoffs. Nike was also asked to provide details on how it tracks workers’ race and ethnicity data. The EEOC was established under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination.
Andrea Lucas, who was nominated as chair of the EEOC by President Trump in November 2025, commented on the agency’s renewed focus. She highlighted President Trump’s commitment to enforcing civil rights laws and ensuring evenhanded enforcement of Title VII.
This investigation into Nike follows a series of similar probes initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice. These investigations, conducted under the Trump administration, targeted organizations and state governments that utilized DEI programs.
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Sources within the DOJ indicated a shift in the department’s focus towards protecting White individuals from alleged “reverse discrimination.” A DOJ spokesperson defended these probes, stating that DEI initiatives have resulted in “blatant, widespread race and sex discrimination in violation of federal law.”