A new discrimination lawsuit by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has revealed that the group remains interested in trying to use litigation to discourage employers from directly or indirectly screening out the protected class members who tend to be arrested and convicted at higher rates. The plaintiff, an African American, was hired in 2014 as an “area manager” janitor. During his employment, he reported to two district managers who repeatedly subjected him to severe harassment. Five months after his hire, the plaintiff was demoted, a move that the EEOC believes was in retaliation for his opposition to the harassment and discriminatory practices. A month later, the employee was terminated for absenteeism. The EEOC’s Complain claims that the employer was in violation of Title VII.
