Google Settles $28M Racial Bias Lawsuit Amid Diversity Backlash
Google has agreed to pay $28 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the company favored white and Asian employees over those from other ethnic backgrounds in pay and career advancement. The lawsuit, originally filed in 2021 by former employee Ana Cantu, claimed that Hispanic, Latino, Native American, and other minority workers were systematically placed in lower-paying positions with limited growth opportunities.
The settlement, which recently received preliminary approval from Judge Charles Adams of the Santa Clara County Superior Court, covers over 6,600 employees who worked at Google between February 2018 and December 2024. The case was largely based on leaked internal data, which reportedly revealed disparities in compensation across different racial groups.
According to Cantu’s legal team, Google’s hiring and salary structure reinforced historical pay gaps, particularly by basing starting salaries and job levels on prior earnings. Attorney Cathy Coble, who represented the affected employees, credited whistleblowers within the company for exposing the alleged inequities.
“Without collective action from employees who self-reported their pay and leaked data to the media, such disparities would remain hidden,” Coble said.
Despite agreeing to the settlement, Google denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, the company said it remains committed to fair hiring and compensation practices, emphasizing that it reached the agreement to avoid prolonged legal battles rather than admitting to any bias.
This case unfolds against the backdrop of a broader corporate shift in the U.S. away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Google, along with major corporations like Meta, Amazon, Walmart, and McDonald’s, has rolled back DEI programs amid increasing political pressure. Critics argue that these changes align with the policies of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly attacked DEI initiatives and recently ordered their removal from federal agencies and contractors.
With this settlement, Google aims to move past the controversy, but the case has reignited discussions about corporate responsibility in fostering workplace equity.