New England Biz Law Update
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has filed a lawsuit alleging that Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast violated federal civil rights law by excluding male employees from a company-sponsored networking event.
The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in New Hampshire, claims the two-day event held in September 2024 in Connecticut invited and benefited approximately 250 women workers, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
According to the EEOC, the company privately invited approximately 250 women to the networking trip, excused them from regular work duties without requiring paid time off and covered lodging and meals. Men were not invited to participate.
The agency’s complaint contends that excluding men from an employer-sponsored event on the basis of sex constitutes unlawful discrimination under Title VII.
The lawsuit was filed after the EEOC said it was unable to reach a conciliation agreement with the company following an administrative charge. In announcing the suit, the EEOC’s acting general counsel stated that excluding a protected class from an employer-sponsored event is a Title VII violation that the agency will pursue through litigation when necessary.
The company responded that it looks forward to defending itself in court. It described the event as a women’s forum intended to support female employees.
The action represents a notable enforcement step by the EEOC in the context of workplace diversity initiatives.
For employers, the lawsuit highlights that participation in employer-sponsored activities must be structured in a manner consistent with Title VII.
HR leaders should review professional development events, leadership programs, networking initiatives and other sponsored activities to ensure eligibility criteria do not exclude employees on the basis of sex or other protected characteristics.
