A « systemic » probe means the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission suspects company policies may be contributing to widespread discrimination.
A U.S. agency investigating Facebook Inc for racial bias in hiring and promotions has designated the probe as « systemic, » attorneys for three job applicants and a manager who claim the company discriminated against them told Reuters on Friday. A « systemic » probe means the agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, suspects company policies may be contributing to widespread discrimination. Facebook operations program manager Oscar Veneszee Jr. and two applicants denied jobs brought a charge last July to the EEOC, and a third rejected applicant joined the case in December. They have alleged Facebook discriminates against Black candidates and employees by relying on subjective evaluations and promoting problematic racial stereotypes. The designation of the EEOC’s probe has not been previously reported. The EEOC has not brought allegations against Facebook. Its investigation, which may last months more, may not result in findings of wrongdoing. The agency declined to comment. Facebook spokesman Andy Stone declined to comment on the status of the probe or specific allegations but said that « it is essential to provide all employees with a respectful and safe working environment.
