WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, America First Legal’s (AFL) Center for Legal Equality filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against NASCAR and Rev Racing, LLC. for illegal racial and sex discrimination.
Rev Racing is a “NASCAR-supported racing team charged with developing female and minority drivers.” The “NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program” provides “training and opportunities for women and minorities in the driver’s seat and on pit crews within the NASCAR industry.” To implement the “Drive for Diversity Program,” NASCAR and Rev Racing jointly operate a series of programs in violation of Title VII.
Prior to September 1, 2023, NASCAR described the program as one in which “Top minority and female drivers are provided with coaching, mentoring, and development…while competing with Rev Racing…” Further, the “Driver Eligibility” page explicitly limited admission to “female[s] or member[s] of one or more of the following ethnic minority classifications: American Indian, Alaskan Native or of native/indigenous descent; Asian or Pacific Islander; Black or African-American; Latino or Hispanic.”
Additionally, prior to September 1, 2023, NASCAR promoted a paid “Diversity Internship Program” requiring that interns be “a member of one or more of the following races/ethnic minority classifications: Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Latino or Hispanic, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.” Now, NASCAR promotes a paid internship for “undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds and experiences” without explaining what the term “diverse backgrounds and experiences” means.
AFL will continue to fight for equality under the law for all Americans.
Read the EEOC letter here.
