EEOC challenges employer-sponsored, female-only networking trip

It is not uncommon for companies to host networking or mentorship events focused on supporting female employees. In fact, these types of events are often publicized by employers to show their efforts to provide an inclusive workplace. But a new federal lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) should cause employers to reconsider events that exclude certain employees while providing benefits to other employees, even when the excluded employees fall within majority rights groups (e.g., men, Caucasian employees, etc.).

Empowering women, or discriminating against men?

On February 17, 2026, the EEOC filed a lawsuit in a federal court in New Hampshire against Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Inc., a producer, seller, and distributor of Coca-Cola products. The EEOC contends that Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it hosted a two-day, employer-sponsored trip and networking event at a resort in Connecticut for its female employees.