EEOC Accuses Sheetz of Unfair Hiring Practices
The Sheetz convenience store chain, a familiar sight across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, is facing a lawsuit from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for allegedly discriminating against minority job applicants.
Background Checks Disproportionately Impact Minorities
The lawsuit alleges that Sheetz’s practice of automatically filtering out applicants based on criminal background checks unfairly impacts Black, Native American, and multiracial job seekers. The EEOC claims these groups were denied employment at significantly higher rates than white applicants who failed background checks.
Longstanding Practice Under Scrutiny
The EEOC alleges Sheetz’s discriminatory hiring practices have been in place since at least 2015. The lawsuit stems from complaints filed by two job applicants and a subsequent investigation by the EEOC. The agency reportedly attempted to reach a settlement with Sheetz before resorting to legal action.
Lawsuit Highlights Debate on Background Checks
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate around criminal background checks in employment screening. The EEOC argues that such practices can have a discriminatory impact, disproportionately affecting minority communities. The outcome of this case could have implications for hiring practices across various industries.
