AWARDED “LEAST LIKELY TO BE SEEN IN THE DARK” TROPHY TO BLACK EMPLOYEE
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently announced that it had settled a race discrimination lawsuit which had been filed against AOD Ventures, Inc,. d/b/a Autos of Dallas, for $22,500.
At a 2019 holiday party, the company allegedly called a Black salesman to the front of the room and handed him a “Least Likely to Be Seen in the Dark” trophy. While the individual later complained about the treatment and presentation, the company reportedly failed to take remedial action, all while the employee continued to be subjected to post-event “teasing” and “offensive comments.”
Finding such conduct violative of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the EEOC filed suit, Civil Action No. 4:21-CV-00418, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division, seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief.
In addition to the cash payment, the auto dealer agreed to modify its employment related policies and practices.
In a written statement, Joel Clark, a senior trial attorney in the EEOC’s Dallas District Office, noted that “We think it is important that in addition to resolving this case on behalf of Mr. Sellers, this consent decree also commits Autos of Dallas to training for all employees, management and non-management, on the laws prohibiting race harassment at work.”
Think that’ll go on a commemorative plaque?
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