The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has dropped a lawsuit against Nike after determining the company fully complied with a subpoena related to alleged hiring discrimination.
The EEOC filed the lawsuit in 2023, accusing Nike of failing to provide information requested in a subpoena connected to a broader investigation into employment practices. The agency sought data on hiring, promotion, and compensation policies at the sportswear giant.
In a court filing on Wednesday, the EEOC stated that Nike had provided all requested documents and information, resolving the matter without further legal action. The agency did not specify whether its broader investigation into Nike’s employment practices had concluded.
Nike, which has denied any wrongdoing, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The company has previously stated that it cooperates fully with regulatory inquiries.
The EEOC’s decision to drop the case follows a pattern of high-profile subpoenas and lawsuits targeting major corporations over alleged workplace discrimination. The agency has emphasized enforcement of anti-bias laws amid growing scrutiny of corporate hiring and promotion practices.
Legal experts noted that compliance with subpoenas does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, as companies often cooperate to avoid prolonged legal disputes. The EEOC’s withdrawal of the lawsuit suggests the matter has been resolved administratively, though the agency retains discretion to reopen investigations if new evidence emerges.
