Accenture agrees to $25 million settlement over U.S. diversity hiring probe
Accenture will pay $25 million to resolve U.S. government allegations that it considered race and gender in hiring and promotions.
Accenture has agreed to a $25 million payment to settle accusations by the U.S. Department of Justice that the consulting firm used race and sex criteria to meet demographic goals in hiring and promotion decisions. The settlement, made public on Monday, covers civil penalties and interest at a 4 percent annual rate starting September 9, 2026. This action is part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) requirements for federal contractors, a policy the White House frames as anti-merit.
Other companies, including Deloitte and IBM, have reached comparable settlements of $21.5 million and $17 million respectively. Accenture stated it complied with applicable laws and the agreement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing. The company expressed relief at ending the dispute and avoiding the expense of prolonged court battles.
Why it matters
The settlement highlights the federal government's intensified scrutiny of corporate diversity practices under current policy.
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