EEOC Sues New York Times for Alleged Discrimination Against White Male Employee
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed suit Tuesday alleging the newspaper denied a promotion to a White man to meet diversity targets. The complaint centers on the deputy real estate editor role and internal hiring policies dating to 2021. The New York Times said its practices remain merit-based.
insurancejournal.comThe Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit Tuesday against The New York Times alleging the newspaper violated civil rights law by denying a promotion to a White male employee because of his race or sex. The suit claims the decision advanced diversity goals rather than selecting the most qualified candidate for deputy real estate editor. The position opened in January 2025.
The complaint states the White male employee possessed considerable experience covering real estate news yet was passed over in favor of a multiracial woman who lacked experience editing that coverage. The employee believed he was more qualified than the person selected.
The lawsuit cites a 2021 "Call to Action" issued by The New York Times that directed managers to hire and promote more people of color and women.
It further alleges the newspaper tracked staff race, sex, and sexual orientation year over year for nearly a decade and linked performance compensation to the hiring of individuals from designated demographic categories. A New York Times spokesperson stated: "Our employment practices are merit-based and focused on recruiting and promoting the best talent in the world.
" The employee remains on staff at the newspaper and belongs to its employee union.
The suit was filed by the EEOC during the Trump administration.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2026-05-05
EEOC files lawsuit against The New York Times alleging denial of promotion to White male employee
9 sourcesThe Washington Times · The New York Times · The Washington Post · New York Post - 2025-01
Deputy real estate editor position listed at The New York Times
1 sourceThe Guardian - 2021
The New York Times issues Call to Action to hire and promote more people of color and women
1 sourceDaily Caller
Potential Impact
- 01
New York Times faces requirement to respond formally in federal court
- 02
Lawsuit may proceed to discovery, potentially surfacing additional internal communications
- 03
Employee union may become involved given plaintiff's membership status
Transparency Panel
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