EEOC Files Discrimination Suit Against Lowe’s
By George Anderson
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a federal lawsuit against the DIY chain Lowe’s for what it claims is “a pattern and practice of refusing to
hire qualified African American applicants because of their race.”
The EEOC alleges Lowe’s failed to hire any African-Americans at its distribution center in Vonore, Tennessee over a 13-month period despite adding more than 40 employees during
that time.
Chris Ahearn, a spokesperson for Lowe’s, said the company has, “a deep commitment to diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, religion or any other characteristics
protected by the law.”
Moderator’s Comment: Are diverse organizations stronger than homogenous ones?
The problem we’ve seen with most companies that tout their diversity initiatives is that once they hire someone, they then expect them to fit the corporate
mold.
One ex-manager of ours used to be fond of saying he would prefer a workforce of less talented employees that did everything the same than a group that was
extremely talented but harder to handle. Not surprisingly, we’re more than a little sorry to say, this same person has steadily advanced up the corporate ladder. –
George
Anderson – Moderator