John Loeffler is a 64-year-old white male with nearly a decade of outstanding performance at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where he served in a senior role managing multimillion-dollar government contracts. After years of success, including playing a central role in securing a $30 million federal deal, Loeffler was suddenly denied his earned commission, reassigned to an unviable sales region, and placed on a Performance Improvement Plan with unattainable targets. Just months later, he was terminated.

America First Legal (AFL), in partnership with JW Howard Attorneys, LTD, filed suit against IBM for illegal discrimination based on race, sex, and age. The lawsuit alleges that Loeffler’s termination was part of IBM’s broader strategy to meet internal “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) quotas—quotas directly tied to executive bonuses and job security. After Loeffler was fired, IBM gave his responsibilities to two younger, non-white employees.

Public disclosures, internal communications, and statements by IBM’s CEO confirm the company’s aggressive use of racial and gender quotas in hiring and promotions. This is AFL’s third lawsuit targeting IBM’s discriminatory practices. AFL will continue fighting back against DEI-driven discrimination in corporate America.