The New York Times Sued by US Agency Over Alleged “Reverse Discrimination” Hiring Case

Mintesinot Niggusie

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has sued The New York Times, alleging that the newspaper bypassed a white male candidate for a senior editorial role in favour of diversity considerations, according to a complaint filed on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court.

The case centres on a 2025 promotion process for a deputy real estate editor position. The EEOC claims the paper violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by discriminating on the basis of race and sex, arguing that the candidate was overlooked despite being highly qualified.

According to the filing, the agency brought the case on behalf of an 11-year veteran of the newspaper who had worked primarily as a senior staff editor on the international desk. He applied for the promotion in early 2025 but did not advance to the final selection stage. The EEOC said the role ultimately went to a less experienced multiracial female candidate, selected over other applicants including a white female, a Black male and an Asian female.

The complaint also alleged that the newspaper had, over several years, sought to increase the representation of Black, Hispanic and female employees as part of what it described as efforts to build a “more diverse, equitable and inclusive” newsroom. One interviewer, cited in the complaint, reportedly described the successful candidate as “a bit green overall” and said, “I don’t see her contributing to the expansion of the coverage in a significant way.”

The EEOC stated that The New York Times acted “with malice or with reckless indifference” to the rights of the complainant. The agency is seeking remedies including back pay, future lost earnings, and punitive damages, as well as an end to the alleged practices.

The New York Times rejected the allegations, calling them “politically motivated.” In a statement, spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha said: “Our employment practices are merit-based and focused on recruiting and promoting the best talent in the world. We will defend ourselves vigorously.”

The lawsuit comes amid a broader shift in enforcement priorities under EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, who has signalled a tougher approach to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in employment practices.