America First Legal Has Filed a Lawsuit against IBM citing Discriminatory Treatment

The lawsuit comes amid a growing trend of conservative groups challenging DEI initiatives

Former Trump adviser Stephen Miller's legal group, America First Legal (AFL), has launched a lawsuit against IBM Corp.'s subsidiary, Red Hat Inc., alleging discriminatory treatment and termination of a former senior director due to the company's diversity initiatives. Filed in the US District Court for the District of Idaho, the suit claims that Allan Kingsley Wood, a white male employee, faced discrimination based on race and gender under Red Hat's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, which included hiring targets for women and minorities.

AFL has been active in litigating corporate DEI-related issues, often challenging DEI programs through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). However, the EEOC has yet to respond to the AFL's letters, which allege violations of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act by corporate DEI efforts.

The lawsuit comes amid a growing trend of conservative groups challenging DEI initiatives following a 2023 Supreme Court decision limiting affirmative action in college admissions. AFL asserts that Red Hat's DEI goals, including quotas for gender and racial demographics, led to Wood's termination and retaliation for his opposition to these policies. According to AFL, Red Hat announced DEI goals aimed at achieving specific demographic percentages by 2028, shortly before Wood's termination, along with 21 other employees, most of whom were also white males. The complaint further alleges retaliation against Wood for expressing his beliefs, including the premature termination of approved leave under the Family Medical Leave Act.

Wood seeks compensation and an injunction against Red Hat's DEI program, highlighting the contentious intersection of diversity initiatives, corporate culture, and employee rights in today's legal landscape.