LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline) — The U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced March 22 that ultrasound technician provider Ultracare Las Vegas will pay $15,000 after allegations of sex discrimination involving sex-role stereotypes.
"Sex-role stereotypes deprive qualified individuals from equal employment opportunities," said Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC's Los Angeles District Office, which includes Las Vegas in its jurisdiction. "Customer preference is not a defense for discrimination. Placement companies must comply with the law even when a client openly expresses an illegal gender preference."
According to the EEOC, Ultracare had a contract from 2010 to 2013 with Nevada Health Centers, and Ultracare provided the health center with ultrasound technicians during that time. Ultracare allegedly hired David Matlock in November 2012 as a technician at the health center. Within weeks, Nevada Health Centers purportedly requested Matlock be removed.
In response, Ultracare allegedly terminated Matlock’s work assignment in January 2013. The EEOC argued that the termination was solely based on gender.
"Employees should not have to worry whether their gender will be an obstacle to obtaining or maintaining employment,” said Christine Park-Gonzalez, acting local director of the EEOC's Las Vegas local office. “The EEOC remains committed to ensuring that employees are entitled to equal employment opportunities, regardless of sex."