Johnson & Johnson has denied allegations of fraud, facing accusations of violating federal law related to employment practices influenced by diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. This follows a request for investigation by American First Legal (AFL).
A spokesperson for the company stated that Johnson & Johnson consistently complies with applicable laws while engaging in what it calls ‘illicit DEIs’. The AFL claims that the company breaches the Civil Rights Act of 1964, arguing that its employment practices contravene the federal equal opportunity clause.
The conservative watchdog is pressuring the Department of Health and Human Services to scrutinize the company’s commitment to compliance and examine its employment practices. They argue that enforcing DEI policies could violate federal law, impacting various aspects of the business.
AFL’s letter to the Department of Health and Human Services expresses concern that Johnson & Johnson’s public stance on equality indicates a systematic neglect of its legal obligations. They contend that the company has made misleading claims about its commitment to equity and inclusion.
According to Johnson & Johnson’s 2023 Health for Humanity Report, women hold 50% of management positions, while Black and African American employees account for 6.8%. The report claims a slight improvement in representation figures as of this year.
AFL argues that the company’s claims of fostering an inclusive culture are misleading. They describe a disconnection between the company’s public statements and its actions regarding civil rights.
Johnson & Johnson has reportedly had contracts worth $11.6 billion with various federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services. This relationship comes under scrutiny following a 2025 executive order by President Trump, which barred federal contracts with companies involved in discriminatory DEI practices.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 identifies illegal employment practices when decisions are influenced by race, gender, or other specified factors. Federal regulations permit agencies to terminate contracts with non-compliant organizations.
AFL asserts that the Biden administration is also responsible for inaction regarding investigations into discriminatory practices within the healthcare sector. They claim that recent efforts by Johnson & Johnson to downplay its DEI policies have made it necessary to conduct a federal investigation to ensure compliance with civil rights laws.
It’s noted that much of Johnson & Johnson’s DEI-related content has been removed from its public website since the Trump administration began. Previous DEI policy statements now redirect to more general inclusion pages, suggesting a shift away from pre-existing commitments.
AFL suspects this cleanup is an attempt to obscure ongoing violations and emphasizes the need for thorough investigations. In response, the Department of Health and Human Services has not commented on this ongoing situation.
