On November 16^th, The Coca-Cola Company agreed to pay more than $192 million in cash and equity payments in the largest racial discrimination lawsuit in U.S. history. The settlement resolved a federal class action lawsuit brought by African American employees against the company in April of 1999 and mandates major changes unprecedented in corporate history.

Coke’s Chairman Doug Daft has made it clear that he intends to root out discrimination at the company and restore the trust of the consuming public: "Discrimination of any kind – even if it’s unintended, tolerated or simply overlooked – has no place at The Coca Cola-Company…. We will not rest until we have reclaimed our position as the best of the best in these matters and restored the confidence of every person who touches The Coca-Cola Company. Settlement of this suit is an essential step in attaining that goal, and other measures will follow quickly."

ICCR’s Director of Diversity, Gary Brouse, has welcomed the agreement. "I want to offer my congratulations to both the plaintiffs and the company for resolving this case. It’s a real indication of common interest in resolving diversity issues. The next item of concern for all who are following the case will be how the diversity task force mandated by the settlement is staffed."