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Johnson & Johnson Stands Firm Against Allegations of Improper DEI Practices
Johnson & Johnson is firmly denying any claims of illegal activity after allegations surfaced regarding its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. The accusations were made by the America First Legal (AFL) organization, which has requested an investigation into the company’s hiring practices.
A spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson stated that the company adheres strictly to all federal laws and has not engaged in any illegal DEI activities. They expressed confidence in the company’s practices, asserting that Johnson & Johnson will continue to uphold legal compliance.
America First Legal’s Complaint
The AFL claims that Johnson & Johnson’s hiring practices violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the federal government’s Equal Opportunity Clause. In their complaint, they allege that the company promotes unlawful hiring practices, which they also noted in their public disclosures.
This conservative legal group is urging the Department of Health and Human Services to examine whether the pharmaceutical giant’s DEI commitments infringe upon federal law. Such actions, the AFL argues, affect all dimensions of the business.
Specific Allegations Made
The AFL’s letter to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights highlighted problematic statements made by Johnson & Johnson regarding its commitment to equity. They alleged that the company intentionally ignores its compliance obligations, thereby violating its assurances related to equal opportunity provided to the federal government.
In its 2023 Health for Humanity Report, Johnson & Johnson set ambitious goals to ensure a gender-balanced workforce and enhance representation of Black and African American employees in management roles by 2025. The report noted progress, with management roles comprised of 49% women and 6.5% Black and African American individuals as of 2023.
Criticism from the AFL
The complaint from America First Legal accused Johnson & Johnson of a blatant disregard for civil rights. They criticized the company’s self-described achievements in fostering equity and inclusion, calling attention to what they perceive as a failure to comply with legal standards.
The AFL argued that Johnson & Johnson’s public portrayal of its workforce practices contradicts the commitments to equal opportunity outlined in federal laws.
Johnson & Johnson’s Recruitment Practices
A recent business post from LinkedIn titled “How Johnson & Johnson is Building a Diverse Talent Pipeline” asserted that the pharmaceutical company uses data to evaluate its progress toward its diversity goals. The article indicated that diversity within the talent pool is critically monitored, holding company leaders accountable for these metrics.
In an accompanying video interview, Johnson & Johnson executive Sarah McKensey emphasized the importance of not only tracking the talent pipeline’s readiness but also assessing the diversity within that mix. The aim is for diversity to naturally permeate the hiring landscape.
Potential Legal Ramifications
According to data sourced from USAspending.gov, Johnson & Johnson held 3,719 contracts with various government departments in 2024, amounting to a potential total value of $11.6 billion. In 2025, President Donald Trump enacted an executive order prohibiting federal agencies from engaging with companies that partake in discriminatory DEI initiatives.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 defines unlawful hiring practices, stipulating that discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin constitutes a violation. Additionally, federal regulations empower agencies to terminate contracts with entities failing to comply with these legal standards.
Calls for Investigation
America First Legal has raised concerns that the Biden administration has neglected its duty to investigate whether companies in the healthcare sector are adhering to civil rights regulations. The organization is actively urging the Trump administration to take action now.
Only a short time ago, the majority of Johnson & Johnson’s DEI-related content was visible on its public website. However, many of these materials have reportedly been removed or altered since Trump took office. For instance, the company’s former DEI section, which extolled commitments to workforce diversity, has since redirected to more generalized environmental, social, and governance policies.
Concerns Over Transparency
Despite the changes to its online presence, AFL believes that Johnson & Johnson is attempting to obscure ongoing DEI violations. They have called for a comprehensive federal investigation to determine the company’s compliance with the Civil Rights Act.
Dan Epstein, Vice President of the AFL, remarked that until recently, Johnson & Johnson openly promoted DEI policies that appeared to violate the law. He expressed concern that many institutions across corporate America are now taking measures to rebrand or downplay illegal DEI policies to evade scrutiny while continuing discriminatory practices.
The Department of Health and Human Services has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding this investigation inquiry.
Future Implications for Johnson & Johnson
As this situation unfolds, Johnson & Johnson stands at a critical juncture. The outcome of the investigation could significantly impact the company’s reputation and business operations. With their ambitious DEI initiatives under scrutiny, the eyes of regulatory bodies and the public will be closely monitoring Johnson & Johnson’s next steps.
