Gannett, the largest newspaper publisher in the United States, is facing a lawsuit alleging discrimination in its efforts to diversify newsrooms. The proposed class action was filed by five current and former Gannett employees who claim that they were fired or overlooked for promotions in favor of less-qualified women and minorities. The plaintiffs argue that these decisions were driven by a policy announced in 2020, in which Gannett aims to have its newsrooms reflect the demographics of the communities they cover by 2025.
According to the lawsuit, Gannett has tied executive bonuses and promotions to the success of meeting the diversity goals outlined in the policy. The plaintiffs accuse Gannett of implementing a reverse race discrimination policy without regard for civil rights laws or the well-being of the affected workers.
Gannett’s chief legal counsel, Polly Grunfeld Sack, has stated that the company always seeks to recruit and retain the most qualified employees and intends to vigorously defend its practice of ensuring equal opportunities.
This lawsuit comes amid a growing backlash against corporate diversity programs. While other cases challenging diversity programs have been filed by conservative groups, this lawsuit is unique as it is brought directly by Gannett employees. Companies such as Starbucks, Target, and Progressive Insurance have faced shareholder lawsuits questioning the validity of diversity programs, and a group founded by former Trump administration officials has filed multiple complaints accusing large companies of discriminating against white and male workers.
Following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-conscious college admissions policies, many experts anticipate an increase in challenges against such programs. It should be noted that the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of eliminating racial discrimination in all forms.
Among the plaintiffs is Steven Bradley, who claims he was fired from a management role at the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper in Rochester, New York, and subsequently passed over for another position due to his race. Another plaintiff, Logan Barry, alleges that he was denied a promotion to a leadership position at the Progress-Index in Petersburg, Virginia, in favor of a less-qualified Black woman after Gannett acquired the newspaper in 2019.
The plaintiffs argue that Gannett has violated federal laws prohibiting race discrimination in contracts, and they are seeking the removal of the 2020 policy, along with compensation for lost pay, benefits, and other damages.
It is important to note that Gannett owns two newspapers in Missouri: the Columbia Daily Tribune and the Springfield News-Leader.
This lawsuit brings attention to the ongoing debate surrounding diversity efforts in the workplace and highlights the challenges companies may face in implementing such programs. As the legal battle unfolds, its outcome could have significant implications for future diversity initiatives and the ways in which companies approach achieving greater inclusivity and representation in their respective industries.
