GOVERNMENT
*GREENSBORO, N.C. — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has reached a settlement in its lawsuit against Hooters of America, LLC, as confirmed by court documents. Specifics of the settlement remain undisclosed.*
*The lawsuit, initiated last year, accused the Greensboro location of violating federal law by failing to rehire laid-off employees during the COVID-19 pandemic based on their race. The EEOC claimed that over 40 employees were laid off in March 2020 when the pandemic first struck. Upon reopening, the company allegedly prioritized the rehiring of predominantly white employees, leaving behind those who identified as Black or had darker skin tones.*
*Prior to the layoffs, 51% of Hooters' staff, known as "Hooters Girls," were Black or had dark skin tones. However, following the layoffs, only 8% of the newly hired staff after May 2020 fit that demographic, according to the EEOC's findings.*
*This settlement highlights ongoing issues of racial discrimination in the workplace and reinforces the importance of equitable hiring practices.*
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