WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, America First Legal’s (AFL) Center for Legal Equality filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against Shake Shack, Inc. for alleged race and sex discrimination conducted under the guise of so-called “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI).
AFL also sent a cease and desist letter to the CEO and Board of Directors of Shake Shack, demanding the company end its discriminatory employment practices in violation of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Shake Shack appears to be discriminating on the basis of race and sex to promote its radical DEI agenda. Shake Shack has set diversity goals aiming to unlawfully consider protected characteristics of applicants, employees, and even its Board of Directors.
In response, Shake Shack has defended its diversity initiatives, stating, “By 2025, we are targeting 50% of our Shack leadership and 30% of our home office leadership roles to be filled by people of color…”
Idris Stover, Shake Shack’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, emphasized the importance of accountability in achieving diversity goals, saying, “[s]haring our five-year targets helps hold us accountable to cultivate a leadership team that is diverse, but more importantly, one that is positioned to support our future growth and success.”
Gene Hamilton, America First Legal Vice President and General Counsel, condemned Shake Shack's practices, stating, “Americans of all backgrounds and experiences reject the notion that any American should ever be treated differently just because of their skin color... We will always boldly fight for true equality of opportunity and merit-based principles.”
The complaint filed by AFL raises concerns about Shake Shack's employment practices and aims to uphold equal treatment under the law, advocating for a system where opportunities are based on skills and achievements rather than immutable characteristics.