Nonprofit Files Complaint with EEOC About NFL’s Rooney Rule

May 21, 2024
Hall Benefits Law, LLC

America First Legal (AFL) has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as well as with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, about the NFL’s so-called “Rooney Rule.” Under the Rooney Rule, the NFL must interview at least two external candidates from underrepresented minorities for top position vacancies, including head coaching positions. AFL claims that the Rule violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 based on race and sex discrimination.

In response, the NFL stated that it utilizes the Rooney Rule in part to promote equal employment opportunities for people of color and women and diversity throughout the league. The league updated the Rooney Rule in 2022 to state that women or people of color could satisfy the requirements of the rule. The NFL claims the Rooney Rule is constitutional and fully complies with federal law.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated in a recent press conference that he believes the Rooney Rule is still necessary for the foreseeable future. Nonetheless, in February 2022, Nzinga Shaw, a former HR executive and diversity council member for the NFL, characterized the Rooney Rule as “ineffective,” stating that the NFL often circumvented the Rule without any consequences.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court prohibited the use of affirmative action in higher education, more groups like the AFL have brought legal challenges to corporate inclusion, equity, and diversity efforts (IE&D). As a result, many companies are now reviewing and evaluating their policies and programs for potential modifications.

HBL has experience in all areas of benefits and employment law, offering a comprehensive solution to all your business benefits and HR/employment needs. We help ensure you are in compliance with the complex requirements of ERISA and the IRS code, as well as those laws that impact you and your employees. Together, we reduce your exposure to potential legal or financial penalties. Learn more by calling 470-571-1007.

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Hall Benefits Law, LLC

HBL offers employers comprehensive legal guidance on benefits in mergers and acquisitions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), executive compensation, health and welfare benefits, healthcare reform, and retirement plans. We counsel a wide spectrum of clients including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, health insurance brokers, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, just to name a few. HBL is passionate about advising clients, and we are dedicated to our mission: to provide comprehensive, personalized, and practical ERISA and benefits legal solutions that exceed client expectations.

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