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NewsThe GuardianMay 5, 2026United States

EEOC Sues New York Times Over Hiring Practices

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging the company discriminated against a white, male employee by passing him over for a promotion due to his race and sex. The lawsuit claims the newspaper's diversity initiatives led to the exclusion of white males from the finalist pool for a deputy editor position, while the Times maintains its hiring process is merit-based and legal.

employment lawdiscriminationmediadiversity initiativesEEOClitigation
Read the full story at The Guardian

Why It Matters

The lawsuit challenges the legality of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, potentially setting a precedent for how media companies manage leadership recruitment.

Key Facts

  • The EEOC filed a lawsuit against The New York Times alleging race and sex discrimination in a promotion decision.
  • The lawsuit claims a white, male employee was passed over for a deputy real estate editor position despite being qualified.
  • The EEOC found 'reasonable cause' that the Times violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  • The lawsuit alleges that no white males were among the four finalists for the deputy real estate editor role.
  • The position was awarded to Monica Burton, who was hired from Vox Media's Eater.
  • The EEOC is seeking backpay with prejudgment interest for the employee who was not promoted.
  • The New York Times denies the allegations, stating the hiring process was merit-based and that they will defend against the lawsuit.
  • The Times claims the EEOC deviated from standard practices in this investigation.
  • The lawsuit argues that the Times's diversity goals intentionally lead to a decrease in white leadership.
  • The employee involved has worked at the Times since 2014 and served as a senior staff editor on the international desk for over nine years.

Who's Mentioned

personDanielle Rhoades Ha“Spokesperson for the New York Times.”personMonica Burton“The individual hired for the deputy real estate editor position.”organizationNew York Times“The defendant in the discrimination lawsuit.”organizationUS Equal Employment Opportunity Commission“Federal agency that filed the lawsuit against the New York Times.”personBrendan Carr“Chair of the Federal Communications Commission.”personDonald Trump“President whose administration is overseeing the EEOC action.”