A Manhattan federal judge has ruled in favor of Meta Platforms Inc., dismissing a lawsuit filed by a white electrician who claimed racial bias in the company’s commercial production hiring practices.
The plaintiff, James Harker, alleged that Meta’s use of a production company involved in a diversity hiring initiative led to racial discrimination against him. Harker, an experienced film production worker, argued that the company, Something Ideal, hired nine minority apprentices, including a gaffer who was paid more than him despite having less experience.
However, U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain determined that Harker lacked legal standing to bring the suit. According to Judge Swain’s ruling, Harker never applied for the gaffer position and had not expressed any interest in it. Additionally, the diversity hiring program was designed for individuals with minimal experience, which excluded Harker by default.
The case, which accused the defendants of violating historical anti-discrimination laws and New York’s anti-discrimination statutes, faced a setback as the judge noted Harker’s claims did not hold legal merit.
America First Legal, which represented Harker, did not comment on the decision. Similarly, Meta and the other defendants, including Something Ideal, advertising firm BBDO, and the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, did not respond to requests for comments.
America First Legal has recently threatened legal action against Meta for briefly suspending its Instagram account, citing alleged bias. The group has also filed numerous complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and various lawsuits challenging corporate diversity initiatives.
As these legal challenges continue, courts have frequently dismissed similar cases due to technicalities rather than addressing the core issues. The outcome of this particular case underscores the ongoing debate surrounding corporate diversity programs and their impact on employment practices.
