EEOC accuses Bass Pro of racial discrimination in hiring

New York City -- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Houston on Wednesday, charging Bass Pro Outdoor World with alleged racial discrimination in its hiring practices dating back to 2005, the Associated Press reported.



Among the allegations are that qualified African-Americans and Hispanics were routinely denied positions at Bass Pro stores. The lawsuit also alleges that managers of Bass Pro stores in Houston, Louisiana and other locations made derogatory racial comments acknowledging the practice.



The EEOC further alleges that Bass Pro destroyed documents related to applications and internal discrimination complaints, and retaliated against those who spoke up, according to the report.



A spokesman Bass Pro Shops said the company had not yet reviewed the lawsuit and could not immediately comment, the Associated Press said.