America First Legal (AFL) has initiated legal proceedings against CBS Broadcasting Inc. and its parent company, Paramount Global. The lawsuit claims that the companies violated California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act by discriminating against a decorated U.S. Navy combat veteran based on race, sex, and military service status.
The plaintiff, represented by AFL, is a white, heterosexual male who served as a combat cameraman and reconnaissance expert in the U.S. Navy for over ten years. His commendations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal. After his military service, he joined CBS as a videographer in 2018.
In April 2023, he was informed that he would be prioritized for an upcoming video editor position. However, when recruitment began in June 2023, he was not considered for the role. Upon inquiry with the hiring manager about his exclusion, he was told there were "too many straight, white men" in the department. Subsequently, CBS hired a Hispanic female with less experience for the position.
CBS and Paramount have emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies which AFL argues are discriminatory against certain groups. AFL has previously filed lawsuits against CBS for similar allegations of discrimination.
Reed D. Rubinstein from America First Legal criticized Paramount/CBS's DEI commitment as divisive and illegal: “Paramount/CBS says that its ‘commitment’ to radical DEI is ‘central to its business... Those responsible need to be held accountable.”
Nicholas Barry of America First Legal stated: “America is the land of opportunity... Companies need to return to hiring based on merit."
AFL continues its efforts to challenge what it sees as unlawful DEI practices within corporate America.