Discrimination against women, people of color, and other groups continues to persist in American workplaces. Research confirms this reality:
- A study of 108 major U.S. employers found that resumes with distinctively Black names received fewer employer contacts, despite having similar qualifications, with 21% of companies showing statistically significant discrimination against Black applicants.
- For every 100 men promoted to manager, only 89 white women and 58 Black women are promoted.
Women and people of color continue to face significant biases that prevent them from being judged according to their ability to work hard and do the job well. Many diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are designed to overcome biases. Eliminating these initiatives will allow those biases to operate unchecked and expose organizations to legal risks associated with discrimination claims.
Pro-Worker Advocates Can Fight Back
At NIWR, we believe in holding corporations accountable and supporting workers facing discrimination. We’re taking action on multiple fronts to ensure workplace fairness and equal opportunity.
Corporate Accountability Initiatives
Divesting from Companies with Discriminatory Practices
NIWR and LatinoJustice have urged major pension funds including CalPERS and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to divest from companies that fail to uphold workplace protections. We believe corporate boards should reconsider strategies that harm American workers and undermine safety and security.
Formal Corporate Warnings
NIWR and the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) warned major corporations like Target, Meta, and Tractor Supply Co. that eliminating efforts to promote equal opportunity could expose companies to heightened legal liability for discrimination litigation.
Financial Sector Accountability
NIWR has partnered with Color of Change to request investigations into financial institutions that may be undermining workplace equality:
Supporting Workers Facing Discrimination
Helping Workers Fight Back
NIWR created a legal resource to help attorneys bring discrimination claims against companies that backed away from their commitment to equal opportunity diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Recent Media Coverage
Our work on corporate accountability and anti-discrimination efforts has been featured in major news outlets:
Despite Trump Order, Abandoning DEI Could Land Companies in Legal Trouble
Reuters
January 24, 2025
After DEI Rollbacks, Employment Lawyers See Potential For Targeting Corporate Commitment to Equality
Law.com
January 23, 2025
Arbitrators Under Fire for Allegedly Forcing Workers to ‘Stay or Pay’ Employers
Law.com
January 13, 2025
DEI Reversals Swap Political Backlash for Higher Litigation Risk
Bloomberg Law
January 9, 2025
Together, we can work to ensure that all workers are treated fairly and equally in the workplace, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
