A federal watchdog has raised concerns about the New York Times’ hiring practices, alleging that the newspaper favored a less qualified multiracial woman over a skilled white male candidate for an editor position. This accusation, brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), claims that the paper violated civil rights laws, particularly in the context of discrimination based on race and gender, with the lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court.
The complaint argues that Nikita Stewart, who was the Times’ real estate editor at the time and later became the Metro editor, “deviated from normal hiring procedures” when she hired someone with no prior experience in editing real estate coverage back in January 2025.
According to the EEOC, the white male candidate who was overlooked had significant experience in real estate news, which was a stated requirement for the role. This situation has attracted attention amid calls for the Times to increase the representation of nonwhite individuals in leadership roles.
In 2021, the publication released a statement acknowledging that “people of color, and especially women of color, remain grossly underrepresented in leadership,” reflecting a commitment to diversifying its workforce.
Responding to the lawsuit, spokesperson Daniel Rose Herr characterized the action as “politically motivated,” suggesting it was part of a broader conflict with the Trump administration. Herr asserted that the Times’ hiring practices prioritize merit and aim to recruit top talent. “Race and gender had no bearing on this decision,” she stated, defending the choice of the new deputy editor, who remains unnamed.
The lawsuit seeks a court order to implement policies ensuring equal employment opportunities regardless of race or gender, as well as punitive damages for the anonymous editor-in-chief. This controversy arises amidst ongoing criticisms by the Trump administration targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in various sectors.
Meanwhile, President Trump has initiated a separate $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the Times and its publisher, Penguin Random House, related to a book discussing his financial history and public image.
