Former Nike Employee Sues Company for Over $850K for Racial Discrimination

Lawsuit claims supervisor treated employees of color ‘like second-class citizens.’

Nike has once again found itself as the defendant of a lawsuit brought forth by a former employee.

Portland Business Journal reports that Nike’s former senior director in data analytics, Amer Inam, has sued the Swoosh for racial discrimination. Inam alleges that he received praise for his work after joining the company in 2016. But as time went on, the India native says he was passed up for a promotion which instead was awarded to a less-experienced white employee. Furthermore, Inam claims that his salary was $75,000 less than a white co-worker with comparable education and experience.

Inam goes on to allege that his supervisor treated people of color “like second-class citizens” which included a “pattern of hostile and intimidating treatment.” This volatile workplace climate led Inam to experience bouts of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, according to the lawsuit, which was filed Tuesday in Multnomah County, Oregon.

Now, Inam is seeking $516,000 in compensation along with an additional $350,000 for non-economic damages and his attorney fees.

“We can’t comment on the recently filed complaint, but Nike is committed to creating a culture of empowerment and respect where everyone can succeed and contribute to our success,” Nike said in a statement given to Sole Collector.

Source: Sole Collector