Bennett Enterprises Inc., which operates Ralphie’s Sports Eatery in Kenton, Ohio, has agreed to pay $125,000 to settle a lawsuit involving race and disability discrimination. This lawsuit was filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The case centers around a biracial woman who worked as a server at Ralphie’s. She reported a hostile work environment, claiming her supervisor used racial slurs and derogatory language. The situation worsened when the restaurant learned of her mental health struggles, specifically her depression and anxiety. After this, she was denied a promotion, suspended, and ultimately fired.
Following her termination, the former server filed a discrimination charge with the EEOC, citing both race and disability discrimination. She alleged that when she sought a job at another Ralphie’s location, she was told she could not be hired because of her ongoing EEOC claim.
This behavior allegedly violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race and retaliation against individuals for asserting their rights. It also breaches the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that employers accommodate employees with disabilities unless it poses significant difficulty.
The EEOC took legal action after attempts to resolve the issue outside of court failed. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
As part of the settlement, Bennett Enterprises will pay $125,000 in back pay and damages. They are also required to implement training for their management and staff to ensure compliance with discrimination laws. This training aims to prevent future violations of both the Civil Rights Act and the ADA.
This case highlights ongoing issues of discrimination in the workplace, emphasizing the need for companies to foster inclusive environments for all employees.