Judge Dismisses Discrimination Suit Against Gannett, Allows Amendment

A federal judge in Virginia has dismissed a proposed class action lawsuit against Gannett Co Inc, the largest newspaper publisher in the United States. The suit alleged that the company's diversity policies led to widespread discrimination against white employees.

U.S. District Judge Rossie Alston, appointed by former President Donald Trump, ruled on August 20, 2024, that the 2023 lawsuit was "vague and conclusory." The judge stated that the five named plaintiffs failed to identify a company-wide policy that impacted them due to their race. However, Judge Alston has given the plaintiffs 30 days to amend their lawsuit and provide more detailed claims.

The lawsuit stems from a diversity initiative announced by Gannett in 2020, aiming to have newsroom demographics reflect the communities they serve by 2025. This goal is part of a broader trend in corporate America, where companies have been implementing diversity policies in recent years.

Gannett, founded in 1906 by Frank Gannett, has vehemently denied engaging in race discrimination. Polly Grunfeld Sack, the company's chief legal officer, stated:

"Gannett always seeks to recruit and retain the most qualified individuals for all roles within the company. We will always vigorously defend our practice of ensuring equal opportunities for all our valued employees."

The judge also noted that the lawsuit lacked a common legal theory that could form the basis of a nationwide class action. Each plaintiff claimed to be affected by Gannett's policies in different ways, making it challenging to pursue a unified case.

It's worth noting that Gannett, which owns USA Today and operates in 45 U.S. states and Guam, has faced various challenges in recent years. The company has been actively transitioning to digital platforms due to declining print readership and has undergone several rounds of layoffs.

The case against Gannett is part of a growing backlash against corporate diversity policies. However, unlike other pending cases alleging bias against white workers, this lawsuit was not brought by shareholders or conservative legal groups.

Judge Alston found that each plaintiff failed to state a valid discrimination claim. For instance, one plaintiff who claimed she was fired because of her race failed to demonstrate that she was performing well in her job. Another, who sought a promotion that went to a Black woman, did not allege that he was more qualified for the position.

As Gannett continues to navigate the changing media landscape, it faces the dual challenges of maintaining its journalistic integrity and adapting to evolving societal expectations. The company, which has won numerous Pulitzer Prizes, operates over 200 daily newspapers and hundreds of weekly publications, highlighting its significant influence on American journalism.

The outcome of this case, should the plaintiffs successfully amend their lawsuit, could have far-reaching implications for how companies implement and communicate their diversity initiatives in the future.