Google Settles $28m Racial Bias Lawsuit

Google has agreed to pay $28 million to settle a lawsuit that claimed it treated white and Asian employees better than those from other ethnic backgrounds. The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by former employee Ana Cantu, alleged that Hispanic, Latino, Native American, and other workers were initially paid lower salaries and offered lower job levels compared to their white and Asian colleagues.

The settlement, which has received preliminary approval from a court in California, was based on a leaked internal document that reportedly showed disparities in compensation based on ethnicity. Ms. Cantu’s lawyers argued that Google’s practice of setting starting pay and job levels based on prior salaries perpetuated historical racial and ethnic inequalities.

The class action lawsuit represented over 6,600 Google employees who worked at the company between February 2018 and December 2024. Cathy Coble, one of the lawyers involved, commended the courage of employees who came forward with their pay data. Google, however, denied any discrimination and stated its commitment to fair pay, hiring, and advancement for all employees.

The settlement comes amid a trend of US companies, including Google, rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This shift coincides with criticisms from President Donald Trump and his supporters, who have called for an end to such programs.