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Reuters
Nike is under investigation by the US government over claims the footwear giant discriminated against white workers.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces workplace discrimination laws, announced on Wednesday it has demanded company records going back to 2018, including the use of race and ethnicity data, and whether such information influenced executive pay.
Court documents show it is examining claims the firm engaged "in a pattern or practice of disparate treatment against white employees, applicants, and training program participants".
Nike said it was "committed to fair and lawful employment practices", calling the inquiry "a surprising and unusual escalation".
The EEOC said its investigation was sparked by a 2024 complaint from America First Legal, a partisan organisation founded by Trump adviser Stephen Miller that identifies "dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion" or DEI as a top priority.
In its subpoena request, the EEOC said Nike had failed to fully respond to requests seeking information about the firm's hiring, training and promotion practices, as well as hiring goals for racial and ethnic minorities.
In a statement, Nike said it had sent thousands of pages of documents and "will continue our attempt to cooperate with the EEOC and will respond to the petition".
