The Sheetz convenience store chain is facing a lawsuit from federal officials for allegedly discriminating against minority job applicants. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit against Sheetz and two subsidiary companies, claiming that the company’s hiring practices disproportionately impact Black, Native American, and multiracial applicants. The EEOC alleges that Sheetz automatically rejects applicants who fail a criminal background check, in violation of federal civil rights law. Sheetz has denied the accusations, stating that diversity and inclusion are important values for the company.
President Joe Biden recently visited a Sheetz store in Pennsylvania while campaigning, attracting attention to the lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, accuses Sheetz of using criminal background checks in a way that discriminates against minority job seekers. The company is being sued under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, sex, religion, and national origin. The EEOC is seeking to remedy the situation by requiring Sheetz to offer jobs to unlawfully denied applicants and provide back pay, retroactive seniority, and other benefits.
The EEOC began investigating Sheetz after receiving complaints from two job applicants who alleged discrimination. They found that Black applicants were disproportionately rejected due to failed criminal background checks, with a denial rate of 14.5%. Multiracial and Native American applicants were also turned away at higher rates compared to white applicants. Despite efforts to mediate a settlement with Sheetz, the EEOC decided to file a lawsuit after the company did not take sufficient action to address the allegations of discrimination.
Sheetz, a privately held, family-run company with over 23,000 employees and stores in six states, has emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company stated that it has been working with the EEOC for nearly eight years to resolve the dispute, indicating that they do not tolerate discrimination in any form. The EEOC’s lawsuit challenges the company’s use of criminal background checks as a screening tool for job applicants, arguing that such practices can have a disparate impact on minority groups and violate federal civil rights laws.
The EEOC’s lawsuit against Sheetz highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing discrimination in the workplace, particularly regarding hiring practices. The agency is seeking to hold Sheetz accountable for allegedly discriminatory practices that have affected job applicants since at least 2015. By filing this lawsuit, the EEOC aims to ensure that Sheetz offers equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding anti-discrimination laws in the workplace to promote fairness and equality for all employees.
