Johnson & Johnson refutes allegations of unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities following a civil rights claim by a particular group.

Johnson & Johnson refutes allegations of unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities following a civil rights claim by a particular group.

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Put a Stop to This PC Bullshit: Johnson & Johnson Accused of Breaking Law with DEI Practices

In a shocking twist, Johnson & Johnson is under fire for potentially violating federal law and a Trump executive order with their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) hiring practices. AFL (America First Legal) has lodged an accusation over these practices, stating they're unlawful, according to a request for an investigation they submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Johnson & Johnson stands firm on its innocence, declaring, "Johnson & Johnson has always been and will continue to be compliant with all applicable laws." However, that hasn't stopped AFL from demanding action, accusing Johnson & Johnson of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the federal government’s Equal Opportunity Clause through their claimed unlawful hiring and employment practices.

AFL is pushing the HHS to probe the drugmaker, asserting that Johnson & Johnson's commitment to DEI contravenes federal law and seeps into every aspect of their operations.

A complaint lodged by AFL alleges that Johnson & Johnson flagrantly ignores its civil rights obligations and instead intentionally violates its equal opportunity assurances to the government. In defending their stance, AFL cites the drugmaker's public statements regarding the role of "equity" in their employment practices as proof.

Johnson & Johnson's 2023 Health for Humanity Report highlighted their aspiration to have 50% of their management positions filled by women and 6.8% by Black and African American employees by 2025. This ambitious goal for diversity in leadership appears to be the focus of AFL's accusations.

If true, the questionable practices of a pharmaceutical giant like Johnson & Johnson could lead to major repercussions. In 2025, following his inauguration, President Donald Trump issued an executive order barring federal agencies from doing business with firms engaging in discriminatory DEI practices. Given Johnson & Johnson's extensive contracts with the Departments of Health and Human Services, Defense, and other agencies—valued at $11.6 billion in potential total value in 2024—the implications are significant.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 clearly states that "An unlawful employment or other hiring practice exists when race, color, religion, sex, or national origin is a motivating factor for any employment decision." Federal regulations further specify that federal agencies may cut off contracts from organizations found to be non-compliant with the Civil Rights Act.

AFL contends that the current administration has shirked its responsibility to look into whether companies in the medical sector are infringing on civil rights laws. AFL is urging the Trump administration to step in and investigate these questionable practices immediately.

It appears that Johnson & Johnson removed most of its DEI-related content from its public-facing site following Trump's inauguration. However, AFL argues that this is simply an attempt to conceal continued violations of the Civil Rights Act, and they're urging for a federal investigation to determine if the drugmaker continues to engage in unlawful discrimination and breach the Civil Rights Act.

As of now, HHS has yet to respond to AFL's call for a probe into Johnson & Johnson's practices. Keep an eye on this developing story as it unfolds, as the outcome could set a powerful precedent for firms prioritizing diversity and inclusion within their operations.

Related Insights:

• Johnson & Johnson's DEI hiring practices have made them a focal point of debate, but the case has escalated with America First Legal filing a federal civil rights complaint against the drugmaker.
• If proven, Johnson & Johnson could face severe consequences due to their potential non-compliance with federal discrimination laws and employment regulations stipulated in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Orders.
• The vigilance of regulatory bodies like the Department of Health and Human Services is crucial in maintaining fair and equitable practices within organizations, as highlighted by the ongoing investigation into Johnson & Johnson's DEI practices.

1. In the realms of politics, America First Legal has filed a federal civil rights complaint against Johnson & Johnson, focusing on the company's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring practices.
2. The controversy surrounding Johnson & Johnson's DEI practices could have a significant impact on the company's operations, as it may breach the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Orders, potentially leading to severe consequences.
3. The role of policy-and-legislation in maintaining fair and equitable practices within organizations is underscored by the ongoing investigation into Johnson & Johnson's DEI practices by the Department of Health and Human Services.
4. General news outlets are closely monitoring the developing story of Johnson & Johnson's DEI practices, as the outcome could set a potentially powerful precedent for firms prioritizing diversity and inclusion.

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