EEOC investigating Nike over alleged discrimination against White workers

MoneyWatch EEOC investigating Nike over alleged discrimination against White workers .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Mary Cunningham Mary Cunningham Reporter, MoneyWatch Mary Cunningham is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. She previously worked at "60 Minutes," CBSNews.com and CBS News 24/7 as part of the CBS News Associate Program. Read Full Bio Mary Cunningham Updated on: February 4, 2026 / 4:52 PM EST / CBS News Add CBS News on Google The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a federal agency that enforces laws against workplace discrimination, said Wednesday that it is investigating Nike over allegations that the athletic apparel manufacturer discriminated against White workers.The EEOC alleges in a court filing on Wednesday that Nike may have engaged in "a pattern or practice of disparate treatment against White employees, applicants and training program participants" with respect to hiring, promotion, workplace development and layoffs."Unusual escalation"A Nike spokesperson said the company has provided the agency with information in an effort to "engage constructively" with the EEOC, calling the probe a "surprising and unusual escalation.""We are committed to fair and lawful employment practices and follow all applicable laws, including those that prohibit discrimination," the spokesperson said. "We believe our programs and practices are consistent with those obligations and take these matters seriously. We will continue our attempt to cooperate with the EEOC and will respond to the petition."The EEOC, which filed the subpoena enforcement action in federal court in Missouri, said it is looking into allegations of discrimination tied to Nike's diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, objectives for 2025. The agency said in a statement Wednesday that it filed the legal action after the company failed to provide information it had subpoenaed.The agency said it has asked Nike f...