EEOC sues Coca-Cola distributor over female-only event, alleging discrimination against men

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a federal lawsuit against Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Inc., alleging the company excluded male employees from a company-sponsored event in violation of federal law.

The EEOC filed the case in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. It focuses on a September 2024 trip and networking event at Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort in Connecticut. Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast (CCBN), with headquarters in Bedford, New Hampshire, allegedly invited only female employees.

CCBN excused female attendees from their regular duties on Sept. 10 and 11, 2024, according to the suit. The company paid them their normal wages and did not require vacation or paid time off, and it did not invite male employees.

“Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has long made the exclusion of one protected class of employees from an employer-sponsored event a violation of the law,” Catherine L. Eschbach, acting EEOC general counsel, said in a release.

Title VII bars employers from making employment decisions based on sex. Federal officials say the law applies to access to networking and advancement opportunities, not just hiring and firing decisions.

“Excluding men from an employer-sponsored event is a Title VII violation that the EEOC will act to remedy through litigation when necessary,” Eschbach added. “The EEOC remains committed to ensuring that all employees – men and women alike – enjoy equal access to all aspects of their employment, including participation in employer-sponsored events, regardless of their sex, race or other protected category.”

The agency stated it attempted to resolve the matter through its administrative conciliation process before filing suit.

The lawsuit is the first workplace diversity-related case brought by the commission during President Donald Trump’s second term. Federal officials have increased scrutiny of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that treat employees differently based on protected characteristics. The EEOC has warned DEI programs can be unlawful if actions involve discrimination.

CCBN operates independently from its parent Coca-Cola company, which referred inquiries to the distributor.

Peter Bennett, an attorney representing the distributor, disputes the EEOC’s claims.

“The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Inc. challenging our company’s right to hold a one-day event in September 2024,” Bennett told Fox Business, saying the company believes the event complied with existing EEOC regulations and expressed disappointment the agency did not conduct a full investigation.

The case will now proceed in federal court, where a judge or jury will determine whether the company violated federal civil rights law.