HOUSTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced July 25 that Bass Pro Outdoor World LLC will pay $10.5 million after allegations of hiring discrimination and retaliation.
"The EEOC is pleased to have reached what the agency believes to be a fair resolution," said EEOC deputy general counsel James Lee. "We look forward to working with Bass Pro in implementing the consent decree."
According to allegations, the company had discriminated in its hiring practices at its retail stores and unlawfully retaliated against employees who believed the practices were not lawful. Additionally, Bass Pro purportedly failed to adhere to federal record-keeping laws and regulations.
The nationwide agreement seeks to improve the company’s hiring and recruiting practices of African-Americans and Hispanics. The company will appoint a director of diversity and inclusion, conduct affirmative outreach efforts to increase diversity in its workforce, and update its EEO policies and hiring practices.
"The EEOC commends Bass Pro for its efforts in bringing the pending litigation to a conclusion, and for its commitment to hiring a diverse workforce,” said EEOC Houston District Office regional attorney Rudy Sustaita.