A convenience store chain where President Joe Biden stopped for snacks this week while campaigning in Pennsylvania has been hit with a lawsuit by federal officials who allege the company discriminated against minority job applicants. Sheetz Inc., which operates more than 700 stores in six states, discriminated against Black, Native American, and multiracial job seekers by automatically weeding out applicants whom the company deemed to have failed a criminal background check, according to U.S. officials.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed suit in Baltimore against Altoona, Pennsylvania-based Sheetz and two subsidiary companies, alleging the chain's longstanding hiring practices have a disproportionate impact on minority applicants and thus run afoul of federal civil rights law. Sheetz stated that it does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and emphasized that diversity and inclusion are essential parts of their values.
The privately held, family-run company with over 23,000 employees and operations in six states has been accused of using criminal background checks in a way that disproportionately affects minority applicants. The lawsuit, filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, aims to address the alleged discriminatory practices in Sheetz's hiring process.
The EEOC, which enforces federal laws against workplace discrimination, is seeking remedies for affected job applicants, including job offers, back pay, retroactive seniority, and other benefits. The agency's investigation found that Black, multiracial, and Native American job applicants were denied employment at higher rates due to failed criminal background checks compared to white applicants.
Despite efforts to mediate a settlement, the EEOC proceeded with the lawsuit after Sheetz failed to address the alleged violations of civil rights law. The agency's legal action highlights the importance of ensuring fair and non-discriminatory hiring practices in the workplace to promote equal opportunities for all job seekers.
