EEOC sues Washington University over alleged race-based DEI training practice

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission initiated legal action against Washington University in St. Louis, asserting that the institution’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion organized a mandatory training that divided staff by racial identity. Black employee Amega Thaier reported that the “shared racial identity spaces” component would leave her isolated, yet during the January 22, 2025 Zoom session she was placed alone in a breakout room.

Despite her objections and an internal inquiry that was marked resolved, the university later informed her that her role would be phased out, prompting the EEOC to allege a retaliatory discharge. The complaint highlights concerns about the execution of DEI programs and their impact on employees who are meant to benefit from them. The lawsuit seeks redress for the alleged discriminatory practice and the subsequent termination. The case underscores ongoing legal scrutiny of diversity training methods at higher-education institutions.