Don’s Specialty Meats Lawsuit: What You Need to Know

Don’s Specialty Meats, a food preparer and retailer in Scott and Carencro, Louisiana, was sued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2021 for alleged racial harassment. The lawsuit alleged that a Black employee was subjected to a hostile work environment by his general manager, who routinely referred to him as “Black boy,” “the Black boy,” and “little Black guy,” and regularly used the n-word in his presence.

The EEOC filed its suit after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its pre-litigation conciliation process. The case was settled in 2022, with Don’s Specialty Meats agreeing to pay the former employee $67,500 in back pay and damages. The company also agreed to conduct training, revise policies, provide regular reports to the EEOC, and post a notice that affirms its obligations under Title VII and states that employees can report violations to the EEOC.

What does this mean for employees?

This case is a reminder that employers have a legal obligation to provide a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employees who are subjected to racial harassment or other forms of discrimination should report the behavior to their supervisor or human resources department immediately. If the employer fails to take action to address the situation, the employee may file a complaint with the EEOC.

What are the next steps for Don’s Specialty Meats?

Under the terms of the consent decree, Don’s Specialty Meats must take a number of steps to prevent future discrimination and harassment, including:

• Conducting training on anti-discrimination and harassment policies and procedures for all employees
• Revising its anti-discrimination and harassment policies and procedures to ensure that they meet all legal requirements
• Providing regular reports to the EEOC on its compliance with the consent decree
• Posting a notice in its workplace that affirms its obligations under Title VII and states that employees can report violations to the EEOC

FAQs

Q: What is racial harassment?

A: Racial harassment is any unwelcome conduct based on race or color that creates a hostile work environment. This can include verbal abuse, physical threats, or other forms of intimidation.

Q: What should I do if I am being harassed at work?

A: You should report the harassment to your supervisor or human resources department immediately. If the employer fails to take action to address the situation, you may file a complaint with the EEOC.

Q: How long do I have to file a complaint with the EEOC?

A: You must file a complaint with the EEOC within 180 days of the alleged discrimination or harassment.

Q: What happens if I file a complaint with the EEOC?

A: The EEOC will investigate your complaint and determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that discrimination or harassment has occurred. If the EEOC finds reasonable cause, it may attempt to reach a settlement with the employer. If a settlement cannot be reached, the EEOC may file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Q: What are the remedies available to me if I am successful in my complaint?

A: If you are successful in your complaint, you may be awarded back pay, compensatory damages, and punitive damages. You may also be awarded equitable relief, such as an injunction against the employer.

Q: How can I protect myself from racial harassment at work?

A: You can protect yourself from racial harassment at work by being aware of your rights and by reporting any harassment to your supervisor or human resources department immediately. You can also file a complaint with the EEOC if the employer fails to take action to address the situation.

Conclusion

The Don’s Specialty Meats lawsuit is a reminder that employers have a legal obligation to provide a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employees who are subjected to racial harassment or other forms of discrimination should report the behavior immediately. If the employer fails to take action to address the situation, the employee may file a complaint with the EEOC.

References

• EEOC Sues Don’s Specialty Meats, Inc. for Race Harassment: https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/eeoc-sues-dons-specialty-meats-inc-race-harassment
• Don’s Specialty Meats to Pay $67500 to Resolve EEOC Lawsuit: https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/dons-specialty-meats-pay-67500-resolve-eeoc-lawsuit

Sources

1. www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/dons-specialty-mea