Tennessee-based Dollar General Corp. says it could be hit with an Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) lawsuit over the retailer’s criminal background check policies. The EEOC has alleged that the company’s criminal background check policy has a “disparate impact” on black job candidates and employees, a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Dollar General Corp.’s policy, “excludes from employment individuals with certain criminal convictions for specified periods,” according to the company’s filing.In general, the EEOC considers broad blanketed exclusions on any individuals with an arrest or criminal history to be in violation of federal law. The EEOC recommends companies review and revise their background policies and take into consideration the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction and/or completion of the sentence, and the nature of the job sought in order to be sure that the exclusion is important for the particular position.
