The New York Times faced a discrimination lawsuit from a U.S. federal civil rights agency accusing the news organization of favoring a less qualified woman over a white male employee for a promotion to meet diversity goals. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed the lawsuit on behalf of a New York Times editor who claimed gender and racial discrimination under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
The EEOC alleged that the New York Times’ efforts to increase women and people of color in leadership roles influenced the decision to exclude the white male applicant from the final interview round, while advancing three women and a Black man. EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas criticized corporate diversity policies that may discriminate against white men, emphasizing the importance of enforcing Title VII to protect all workers.
In response, the New York Times defended its decision, stating that race and gender did not play a role in the hiring process and that the appointed candidate was the most qualified for the position. The lawsuit revealed that the promoted woman lacked experience in real estate journalism but was chosen based on matching the diversity characteristics sought by the New York Times.
The lawsuit highlighted the New York Times’ diversity and inclusion policies, referencing its “Call to Action” plan to increase Black and Latino leadership representation. Lucas has been critical of public representation goals in companies, arguing against practices that may lead to discriminatory hiring decisions. The EEOC’s investigation of sportswear giant Nike for racial discrimination against white employees further underscores ongoing scrutiny of diversity policies in the workplace.