Johnson & Johnson is denying accusations by America First Legal (AFL) of violating federal law and a Trump executive order through its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices, despite the company's past public disclosures on aspirational diversity goals and tracking talent pool diversity. AFL is urging the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate.
Johnson & Johnson denies engaging in illegal DEI practices after group makes civil rights complaint
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Johnson & Johnson is denying accusations by America First Legal (AFL) of violating federal law and a Trump executive order through its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices, despite the company's past public disclosures on aspirational diversity goals and tracking talent pool diversity. AFL is urging the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate.
Trending- 1 1964: The Civil Rights Act was enacted, prohibiting discrimination in employment.
- 2 2023: Johnson & Johnson published its Health for Humanity Report and DEI Impact Report, outlining diversity goals.
- 3 2024: Johnson & Johnson held 3,719 contracts with federal departments.
- 4 2025: President Donald Trump took office and issued an executive order banning federal agencies from doing business with companies engaging in discriminatory DEI practices.
- 5 Recent: America First Legal (AFL) filed a civil rights complaint against Johnson & Johnson.
- 6 Recent: Johnson & Johnson denied engaging in any 'illegal DEI' practices.
- 7 Recent: Johnson & Johnson appears to have removed most of its DEI-related content from its public-facing website.
- Potential federal investigation into Johnson & Johnson's DEI practices by the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Risk of Johnson & Johnson losing federal contracts if found to be non-compliant with the Civil Rights Act and Trump's executive order.
- Increased scrutiny and legal challenges to corporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies across America.
- Companies may rebrand or conceal DEI policies to evade detection of alleged discriminatory practices.
What: Johnson & Johnson is accused by America First Legal (AFL) of engaging in illegal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices, violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and a Trump executive order. Johnson & Johnson denies these allegations.
When: 2025 (Donald Trump took office and issued executive order), 2024 (Johnson & Johnson had 3,719 federal contracts), 2023 (Johnson & Johnson's Health for Humanity Report and DEI Impact Report published), recent (Johnson & Johnson removed DEI content from website, AFL filed complaint).
Where: United States (federal government, general business context).
Why: America First Legal alleges that Johnson & Johnson's DEI policies constitute unlawful discrimination based on race and sex, violating federal civil rights laws and the Equal Opportunity Clause, and is pushing for a federal investigation to ensure compliance.
How: America First Legal (AFL) submitted a civil rights complaint to the Department of Health and Human Services, citing Johnson & Johnson's own public reports and LinkedIn posts detailing its DEI goals and practices. Johnson & Johnson has issued a denial of any wrongdoing.