Court Allows White Seattle Employee to Challenge DEI Workplace Practices

A federal appeals court has allowed a Seattle city employee to pursue claims that the city’s DEIrelated workplace practices contributed to a racially hostile environment. The panel did not decide whether Seattle’s programs were unlawful, but said a jury should weigh the allegations. Joshua Diemert, who worked for Seattle’s Human Services Department, said he experienced repeated racebased comments and trainings over several years. His allegations included remarks about what he could contribute as a White male and statements made during DEI sessions that he says were offensive and discriminatory. The court said workplace training aimed at addressing racial discrimination is not automatically illegal, but may violate federal civil rights law if it creates a hostile work environment. Seattle said it is reviewing the ruling and considering next steps.