Nike investigated over allegations of discrimination against white employees
The EEOC is investigating Nike over allegations of discrimination against white employees and cracking down on its diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
Anti-affirmative action groups are suing the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, alleging that it illegally discriminates on the basis of race in awarding college scholarships to black students from underfunded schools in majority-black districts.
The lawsuit calls on the Congressional Black Caucus to partner with the foundation as part of a broader effort to overturn affirmative action programs.
“It is neither conscientious nor legal to deny educational opportunities to some young voters and others based on the color of their skin,” the Equal Rights Alliance of America said in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington, D.C.
At issue is eligibility for the foundation’s CBC Spouse Education Scholarship. The scholarship is limited to black students in districts represented by members of the Congressional Black Caucus, a powerful voting group that promotes equal rights. This program offers scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. According to the complaint, the scholarships are awarded to 300 applicants each year.
“The Foundation has operated its programs in such a racist manner every year since 1988, awarding more than $11 million exclusively to Black people,” the Equal Rights Alliance of America said in a press release.
Nicole Austin Hillary, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, said the foundation does not comment on pending litigation.
“The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is proud to reaffirm that we are a nonprofit organization founded 50 years ago by original members of the Congressional Black Caucus. We were founded to help open the doors to educational opportunities and training to the next generation of leaders, provide research, and provide public education on emerging policy issues,” Austin-Hillary said in a statement to USA TODAY. “CBCF remains committed to achieving these goals and providing opportunities for all who benefit from our work and programs.”
The Congressional Black Caucus could not be reached for comment.
The scholarship fund is run by 34 wives and husbands of Congressional Black Caucus members, and its internship and fellowship programs have shaped thousands of leaders in government, business, nonprofit and advocacy roles, according to a February blog post on the foundation’s website.
According to the blog post, the scholarships in question are helping Black students navigate an “inequitable education system” at a time when federal investment in education is shrinking.
The Equal Rights Alliance of America is filing the lawsuit on behalf of two students, one Asian and one Hispanic, who are members of Blum’s organization.
The lawsuit also challenges a second eligibility requirement, which requires applicants to live or attend school in a congressional district represented by a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
“All qualified students, regardless of race, deserve the same opportunity to compete for this scholarship,” Edward Blum, leader of the Equal Rights Alliance of America, said in a statement to USA TODAY. “It is hoped that this lawsuit will ensure that outcome.”
Blum, who has long worked to end affirmative action and filed numerous legal challenges to race-based preferential treatment, spearheaded the case that led the Supreme Court to rule in 2023 that it is unconstitutional for universities to consider race as a factor in student admissions.
This story has been updated to add new information.
