The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois–Eastern Division has issued a class certification ruling in the case of Smith et al v. Nike, allowing certain claims to proceed as class claims on behalf of employees at Nike’s Chicago store.

“The decision by the court is simply a procedural ruling in the overall case and is not a determination of any wrong-doing by Nike at its Chicago location. There has been no decision concerning the merits of the allegations. The ruling by the court is merely an indication that the plaintiffs have met the threshold requirements to move forward as a class action suit.

The allegations by the plaintiffs in Chicago are not consistent with our employee training, corporate policy or efforts to create a culture of inclusion and respect for all employees.

We’ll further debate the merits of the case during preparation of our defense. For example, our employment records show that between 1999-2004, African-Americans were awarded 63% of all promotions to sales positions at the Chicago store – the very position plaintiffs’ claim was denied to African-Americans.

As the matter is now in litigation, we will seek to defend our company and present facts that will rebut the allegations. We will also limit our comments on this matter to our court appearances and filings.”