America First Legal (AFL) has filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (CrowdStrike). The complaint alleges that CrowdStrike engages in discriminatory practices by limiting, segregating, and classifying white and male employees for training and promotions under its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In addition to the EEOC complaint, AFL sent a letter to CrowdStrike's board of directors reminding them of their fiduciary duties and potential liabilities related to what AFL describes as "wasting corporate assets" and "destroying shareholder value" through progressive virtue signaling.
CrowdStrike defines diversity to include gender, race, and ethnicity. According to AFL, this definition leads the company to unlawfully consider these factors when evaluating nominees for its board of directors. The company maintains nine employee resource groups focused on various aspects of diversity, such as Women of CrowdStrike, Pride Team (LGBTQ), Team BELIEVE (Black employees), Communidad (Latina and Hispanic), and Embracing Equity. AFL points out that there are no equivalent groups for white or male employees.
CrowdStrike also runs a “Women of CrowdStrike Mentorship Program,” which provides mentorship opportunities based on sex. No similar program exists for male employees.
The company's public proxy statement includes a “Board Diversity Matrix” tracking the sex, gender identity, race, and ethnicity of its current directors for future board member selection. By hiring to build a diverse workforce and creating race- and sex-based development resource groups alongside this matrix, AFL claims that CrowdStrike is violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
J.C. Herrera, Chief Human Resources Officer at CrowdStrike, stated: “I believe a diverse and equitable organization is key to our success... In fact, innovating through inclusion is a big part of our lives at CrowdStrike.”
These DEI initiatives are prominently featured on CrowdStrike’s website under sections like “Building a balanced workforce.” The site emphasizes the company's commitment to diversity through various programs aimed at creating an inclusive workplace.
Dan Epstein, Vice President of America First Legal, commented: “Crowdstrike’s DEI leader specifically referenced efforts to use race as a basis for advancement in employment... creates a substantial likelihood of unlawful activity.”