The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has sued Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast for sex discrimination. The lawsuit says the bottler and distributor broke federal law by holding a networking event in Connecticut in September 2024, which excluded men. About 250 female employees attended the two-day event at a casino, which included social receptions, team-building, recreational activities, and speeches by Coca-Cola executives. Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast allowed women to attend without using paid leave and paid for their hotel stays. The company is owned by Japan's Kirin Holdings. Coca-Cola itself is not a defendant in the case. This lawsuit marks the first time the EEOC has challenged a diversity-focused workplace program since Donald Trump's administration took office. EEOC acting general counsel Catherine Eschbach said, "The EEOC remains committed to ensuring that all employees – men and women alike – enjoy equal access to all aspects of their employment." She added that excluding men from employer events is illegal. Under the Trump administration, officials claim diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives often result in "reverse discrimination." Trump has moved to remove DEI programs from federal agencies, businesses, and education, calling them discriminatory and harmful to merit. The EEOC is also investigating other companies like Nike and Northwestern Mutual for claims of discrimination against white workers. Last year, it asked 20 major law firms for information on their DEI policies. But the lawsuit against Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast is the first direct legal action against a workplace diversity event as unlawful discrimination.