The New York Times (NYT.N), opens new tab was sued on Tuesday by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which accused the newspaper of passing over a white man for a top editorial role because of his race and gender, in order to meet what the agency viewed as illegal diversity goals.
In a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, the EEOC said the Times discriminated against the male candidate based on his race or sex, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The reverse discrimination lawsuit reflects EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas’ new approach to employment cases, as the agency aligns itself with U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
Trump, a Republican, has attacked so-called diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in business, and soon after beginning his second White House term issued executive orders to end DEI in the federal government.
“The New York Times categorically rejects the politically motivated allegations brought by the Trump administration’s EEOC,” Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha said in a statement. “Our employment practices are merit-based and focused on recruiting and promoting the best talent in the world. We will defend ourselves vigorously.
According to the complaint, the Times had for several years tried to hire more Black, Hispanic and female employees to create a “more diverse, equitable and inclusive” newspaper, and in 2024 decided it needed more non-white “leaders.”
The EEOC said that despite being qualified for the promotion, the editor never made it to the final hiring stage, where a less qualified multiracial female was chosen over a white female, Black male and Asian female.
