A startling claim has surfaced, alleging discriminatory hiring practices within one of the world’s most recognized corporations. The accusation centers around a series of text messages detailing a job applicant’s experience with Coca-Cola.
The story began with a man, identifying himself as “David,” applying for a position at Coca-Cola, backing his application with two decades of relevant industry experience. To his surprise, his application was rejected within a single day.
Intrigued, “David” then submitted a second application, this time using the name “DeShawn” and significantly reducing his claimed work experience to just five years. The outcome was dramatically different.
This second application, under the altered name and with diminished credentials, was accepted, and “DeShawn” was promptly invited for an interview. The stark contrast raises serious questions about the company’s hiring procedures.
The company responded to the allegations, stating the qualifications of the applicants were not identical, therefore the accusation of discrimination is untrue. However, critics point out that even with fewer qualifications, the second applicant received an interview, deepening the concerns.
The report quickly gained attention, prompting a response from Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who signaled a potential investigation with a simple, yet pointed, “eyes” emoji.
This incident echoes past controversies surrounding Coca-Cola’s internal diversity training. Leaked materials from 2021 revealed modules instructing employees to “try to be less white,” outlining behaviors deemed “oppressive” and “arrogant.”
The training encouraged employees to embrace humility, listen, and “break with white solidarity,” sparking outrage from those who viewed it as divisive and discriminatory in itself.
These revelations suggest a pattern of prioritizing identity-based considerations over merit, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the company’s practices. The situation highlights a growing debate about the role of diversity initiatives in corporate America.
