WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — America First Legal’s (AFL) Center for Legal Equality lodged a federal civil rights complaint against International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) for purported racial and sex discrimination. The complaint, filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), accuses IBM of violating federal laws by implementing alleged discriminatory hiring decisions that threaten termination, demotion, and denial of bonuses to executives who fail to comply.
The complaint follows the release of a recording by James O’Keefe on December 11, 2023, featuring IBM CEO and Board Chairman Arvind Krishna. In the recording, Krishna is heard promising consequences for executives who do not adhere to the corporation’s hiring quotas based on race, national origin, and sex. The AFL’s legal action also points to Paul Cormier, Chairman of IBM subsidiary Red Hat, admitting to terminating employees who did not meet the corporation’s hiring quotas.
America First believes the evidence suggests a pervasive culture of systemic racism within IBM’s management. The corporation’s 2022 ESG Report, mentioned in the complaint, outlines an “Annual Incentive Program” that includes a “diversity modifier” aimed at closing the gap in executive representation through additional compensation. IBM’s 2023 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement highlights a “Diversity Modifier” as part of the Annual Incentive Program.
America First Legal argues that IBM’s employment practices, as revealed in the evidence, indicate a conscious effort to embed discriminatory policies into the corporation’s culture. The complaint underscores the contradiction between IBM’s proclaimed commitment to diversity and equity and the exclusion of white male employees from its “diversity” webpage.
The AFL’s Vice President and General Counsel, Gene Hamilton, strongly condemned IBM’s actions, stating, “This cannot stand.” He emphasized the organization’s commitment to fighting against discriminatory practices in corporate America.
In response to the revelations, IBM now faces legal scrutiny and potential consequences for alleged violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The AFL’s legal action signals a growing movement against discriminatory employment practices, demanding accountability from major corporations like IBM.
Elon Musk, owner of X, expressed his concern over the release, emphasizing the severity of the discriminatory practices outlined in the recording. O’Keefe urged individuals affected by the issue to come forward and contact.
