Planned Parenthood of Illinois has agreed to pay $500,000 to settle allegations of workplace discrimination following a federal investigation into its internal policies and practices, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The EEOC said it found reasonable cause to believe the organization engaged in unlawful employment practices by segregating employees into race-based “affinity caucuses,” where participation was restricted based on an individual’s race. Unlike voluntary employee resource groups common in many workplaces, these sessions were reportedly mandatory, with staff required to attend weekly meetings lasting one to two hours.

According to the findings, employees were divided into separate groups based on racial identity, and individuals were not permitted to join caucuses outside their assigned category. The agency also reviewed claims that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training sessions included statements directed at white employees that some workers described as hostile or discriminatory.

EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas said in a statement that such practices run counter to federal law. “Segregating employees by race violates the core promise of our nation’s civil rights laws,” Lucas said, emphasizing that Title VII protections apply equally to all workers regardless of race.

The investigation also examined allegations that certain workplace benefits were not distributed equally. Some employees claimed that access to time off was granted to certain racial groups but not to others, raising additional concerns about disparate treatment.

As part of the settlement, Planned Parenthood of Illinois has taken corrective action, including the removal of a manager connected to the policies under review. The agreement resolves the federal inquiry, which was initiated after multiple employees filed complaints.