In a prepared statement, Bass Pro Shops countered the claims detailed in the federal government's lawsuit that charged the retailer with discrimination in hiring.
“This investigation and the EEOC's conduct demonstrate a troubling tendency by the EEOC to stereotype those who love outdoor sports and support conservation as people who unlawfully discriminate or oppose equal opportunity for all,” Mike Rowland said.
He said that during its investigation into whether the company discriminated against black and Hispanic employees and applicants, EEOC investigators suggested that Bass Pro is more likely to discriminate against minorities because the company sponsors a NASCAR race team.
“The company has cooperated with the EEOC throughout its investigation, providing extensive documentation and numerous witnesses,” Rowland said, adding that Bass Pro “vigorously denies” the allegations in the EEOC lawsuit.
“We provided more than 250,000 pages of documents to the EEOC. Despite our cooperation, the EEOC made unrealistic demands during conciliation. The EEOC cannot or will not tell us the basis for the analysis they claim to have conducted. Fundamental fairness and good faith should require that the EEOC reveal the evidence on which its claims are based before filing a lawsuit that will be long, expensive and disruptive.”
Rowland said respect for customers and employees is central to the company's mission. “Bass Pro has long been committed to full compliance with laws against employment discrimination and retaliation, and has policies and procedures to assure compliance with those laws. When violations are discovered, as is inevitable in any large organization with thousands of employees, they are promptly and firmly addressed.”
Bass Pro Shops is accused of refusing to hire black and Hispanic applicants and of retaliating against employees who complain about the allegedly discriminatory hiring policy. The EEOC's lawsuit was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Houston.
As reported, a federal lawsuit was filed Wednesday by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Texas alleging Bass Pro retail stores in Texas, Louisiana and other locations actively prevented certain minority applicants from becoming employees. The suit also alleges employees who voiced concerns about discriminatory policies were fired or threatened with firing.
