The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has initiated legal action against the New York Times, accusing the media giant of breaching federal regulations by overlooking a White male employee for a promotion.
The EEOC contends that the Times’ decision not to advance this employee was influenced by his race and gender, which they assert contravenes Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This pivotal legislation is designed to prevent workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Andrea Lucas, Chair of the EEOC, emphasized the universality of the law, stating, “No institution, regardless of its prestige, is exempt. Discrimination in any form, whether termed ‘reverse’ or otherwise, remains equally illegal under established civil rights doctrines.”
Lucas further clarified, “Federal statutes are unequivocal: decisions regarding hiring or promotions that are influenced, even partially, by race or sex are contrary to federal law. Diversity does not provide an exemption to this mandate.”
“Politically motivated” attack?
Responding to the allegations, Danielle Rhoades Ha, the New York Times’ senior vice president of communications, dismissed the lawsuit’s claims.
“The New York Times firmly denies the allegations, which we view as politically driven by the Trump administration’s EEOC,” Rhoades Ha stated. “Our hiring and promotion strategies are grounded in meritocracy, with a commitment to attracting and advancing top-tier talent globally. We are prepared to defend our practices vigorously.”
The employee, whom the commission described as a longtime editor at the paper with extensive experience covering the real estate sector, was not selected last year as a finalist to fill an open editorial position, according to the EEOC.
The person hired for the role was an external candidate, the agency said, describing the person as a “White female with little to no experience in real estate journalism, despite such experience being a requirement for the real estate editor position.”
The EEOC suit follows the Trump administration’s push to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in both the public and private sectors.
The commission said earlier this year that it was investigating sports apparel and equipment maker Nike over allegations of discrimination against White workers in hiring, promotion, workplace development and layoffs.
