McDonald’s sued over Latino scholarship program

McDonald’s is being sued over a program that awards scholarships to Latino students, a move that came days after the fast food giant dropped some of its programs. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policies.

The American Coalition for Equal Rights, which challenges preference and discrimination based on race, alleges that McDonald’s HACER program discriminates against some high school students.

last week, McDonald’s said It will modify some of its DEI policies, which critics have deemed “woke.”

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“When companies say they will replace controversial and polarizing programs with more neutral programs, it does not always mean the company has undergone any meaningful changes,” AAER President Edward Bloom said in a statement. “A company press release heralding policy changes is often little more than a public relations exercise.”

“It is astonishing that after what McDonald’s describes as a comprehensive civil rights review of its programs and policies, the Hispanic-only HACER grant was not designated as potentially in violation of our nation’s civil rights laws,” he added.

Changes At McDonald’s, they include scrapping “ambitious representation goals,” getting rid of its DEI pledge to its suppliers, changing the name of its diversity team to the Global Inclusion Team and ending external surveys.

“But when McDonald’s expressed this new commitment to treating ‘everyone’ fairly, it did not mean everyone. Even after a civil rights review, McDonald’s decided to continue a program that blatantly discriminates against high school students based on their race.” The lawsuit states.

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McDonald’s said It began discussing changes months ago, acknowledging that it is examining the legal landscape following the 2024 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action as well as similar moves by other companies.

FOX Business has reached out to AAER and McDonald’s. Under the program, McDonald’s is offering $100,000 to 30 students with at least one Hispanic or Latino parent.

“We are reviewing the complaint and will respond accordingly. However, McDonald’s announced its evolution of our integration business last week, and part of that process will be a review of programs, in partnership with our franchisees as appropriate, to ensure we have a safe and secure environment,” the company said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “These programs align with our vision moving forward.”

The lawsuit stems from Arkansas high school girlwho was looking for a college scholarship, according to the lawsuit.

“McDonald’s offers unusually large scholarships (up to $100,000) through a program called HACER. But the problem is that McDonald’s only gives them to Hispanics,” the lawsuit said. “As a non-Hispanic white girl, the Arkansan cannot apply. Despite her financial need. Despite her inability to choose or control her racial heritage.”

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AAER is asking a judge to issue a temporary injunction before the company announces this year’s award in February.

FOX Business’ Breck Dumas contributed to this report.