A retail giant behind brands like West Elm and Pottery Barn, has come under scrutiny from America First Legal (AFL) over its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices. AFL, a conservative group, has filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against the company, Williams-Sonoma, alleging that the company's DEI efforts constitute unlawful discrimination, says an article in Daily Mail. The complaint claims that Williams-Sonoma's focus on race, sex, and nationality in hiring and contract decisions violates anti-discrimination laws.
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The company's 2024 annual report highlights its DEI achievements, noting that women make up 68% of its workforce and 41% come from ethnic minority groups. Additionally, 57% of its board members are women and 29% are considered diverse.
Despite these claims, AFL argues that prioritizing diversity in employment and vendor contracts amounts to discriminatory practices. The organization has previously targeted other companies with similar complaints, and recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action have fuelled anti-DEI sentiment.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk