Feds accuse Sheetz of discrimination for using criminal records when hiring

[LAUREN TAYLOR]

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS GOING AFTER SHEETZ FOR ALLEGED RACIAL DISCRIMINATION FOR USING CRIMINAL RECORDS IN ITS HIRING PROCESS. 

THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION SAYS THE GAS STATION AND CONVENIENCE STORE CHAIN IS  DISCRIMINATING AGAINST MINORITY APPLICANTS BY REFUSING TO HIRE APPLICANTS WITH CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS. 

THE SUIT CLAIMS SHEETZ UNINTENTIONALLY SCREENED OUT MINORITY CANDIDATES AT A HIGHER RATE THAN WHITE APPLICANTS.

FAILED CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS CAUSED 13 TO 14.5 PERCENT OF MINORITY APPLICANTS TO BE DENIED, BUT ONLY 8 PERCENT OF WHITE APPLICANTS

ALTHOUGH THE E-E-O-C SAID SHEETZ WASN’T MOTIVATED BY PREJUDICE–

THE AGENCY SAID THE CHAIN BROKE FEDERAL LAW BY DENYING EMPLOYMENT TO A CLASS OF JOB CANDIDATES BECAUSE OF THEIR RACE. THE E-E-O-C SAYING THE HIRING PRACTICES VIOLATED TITLE 7 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT THAT BARS EVEN UNINTENTIONAL DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEX, RELIGION AND NATIONAL ORIGIN.

THE E-E-O-C USES SIMILAR BACKGROUND CHECKS.

BUT IS REQUESTING SHEETZ REVISE ITS APPROACH TO AVOID UNFAIRLY EXCLUDING APPLICANTS WITH PREVIOUS OFFENSES.

SHEETZ RESPONDED BY EMPHASIZING ITS COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION. 

SAYING THEY’VE WORKED WITH THE E-E-O-C FOR NEARLY EIGHT YEARS TO FIND COMMON GROUND.

WE NOTICED THIS STORY GOT A LOT OF COVERAGE BY RIGHT LEANING SOURCES – SOME HIGHLIGHTING PRESIDENT BIDEN’S RECENT VISIT TO A SHEETZ AND THE LAWSUIT THAT SOON FOLLOWED. WHILE ON THE LEFT – MOST OUTLETS FOCUSED ON THE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

AT STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, WE AIM TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE UNBIASED, STRAIGHT FACTS.

WE PRESENT THESE EXAMPLES SO YOU CAN FORM YOUR OWN OPINION.