The New York Times is facing a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over allegations of “DEI-related” employment discrimination. The EEOC claims the newspaper violated federal law by passing over a White male employee for a promotion due to his race and/or sex.
EEOC Alleges Discrimination in Promotion Decision
According to the EEOC’s press release, The New York Times allegedly chose not to promote a well-qualified White male employee because of his race and/or sex. The commission stated that the Times has a documented commitment to race and sex-conscious decision-making through its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, citing goals to increase non-White and female representation in leadership positions.
The incident reportedly involved a longtime New York Times editor with extensive experience in real estate journalism who was overlooked for an open deputy real estate editor position. The EEOC claims that all candidates who advanced to the final interview process were not White males. The position was ultimately filled by an outside candidate, described as a non-White female with limited experience in real estate journalism, despite the requirement for such experience.
Newspaper Denies Allegations, Vows Vigorous Defense
The EEOC further alleged that the hiring manager approved the external candidate without her completing the standard interview process and that she was selected despite being rated less favorably by the company’s final interview panel compared to two other candidates. EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas emphasized that no one is above the law and that all race or sex discrimination is unlawful, regardless of the context. She stated that federal law prohibits hiring or promotion decisions motivated by race or sex, with no diversity exception.
In response, The New York Times issued a strong rebuttal, calling the allegations “politically motivated” and asserting that its employment practices are merit-based. Danielle Rhoades Ha, Times communications chief, stated that the company will defend itself vigorously. She added that the EEOC deviated from standard practices in unusual ways and that the sweeping claims ignore the facts. The Times maintains that neither race nor gender played a role in the decision, asserting they hired the most qualified candidate, who is an excellent editor.
Rhoades Ha reiterated The New York Times’s longstanding commitment to diversity and a fair, legal hiring process that does not discriminate against anyone.
