EEOC withdraws subpoena fight with Nike after company provides requested data
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission asked a Missouri court to drop its subpoena enforcement action against Nike, noting the firm had supplied all requested information.
The federal civil-rights agency filed a motion in Missouri federal court to terminate its subpoena enforcement action against Nike, asserting that the sportswear maker had fulfilled all information requests from March through August. In its filing, the EEOC highlighted that no unresolved issues remained for judicial review. An agency spokesperson expressed satisfaction with Nike’s voluntary compliance, while the company chose not to comment further.
The investigation originated from a May 2024 complaint by EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, who claimed Nike’s mentorship and diversity initiatives disadvantaged white workers. The agency had previously sought extensive data on Nike’s hiring, layoff criteria, and race-based tracking practices. Nike had earlier described the subpoena demands as overly broad and likened them to a fishing expedition.
Why it matters
The case shows how federal agencies can pressure large firms over diversity policies and the importance of compliance in high-profile investigations.
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