Nike is under investigation by the US government following allegations that the sportswear giant discriminated against white employees.
The inquiry is being led by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces federal workplace discrimination laws.
On Wednesday, the agency said it had sought company records dating back to 2018, including documents related to the collection and use of race and ethnicity data, and whether such information had any bearing on executive compensation.
According to court filings, the EEOC is examining claims that Nike 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”, describing the investigation as “a surprising and unusual escalation”. In a statement, the company said it complied with all anti-discrimination laws.
“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 move to pursue enforcement action against Nike, one of the world’s most recognisable consumer brands, marks one of the first high-profile steps taken by the EEOC under US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticised diversity initiatives, arguing they amount to “reverse discrimination”.
The EEOC said the investigation stemmed from a 2024 complaint filed by America First Legal, a partisan group founded by Trump adviser Stephen Miller. The organisation has identified dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes as a central objective.
In its request to the court to enforce a subpoena, the EEOC said Nike had not fully complied with earlier demands for information relating to hiring, training and promotion practices, as well as targets or goals connected to racial and ethnic minority recruitment.
Those requests, the filing said, began more than 13 months ago and included an earlier subpoena.
“Nike’s failure to comply … has delayed and hampered the EEOC’s investigation of alleged unlawful employment practices,” the court documents stated.
