“This investigation and the EEOC’s conduct demonstrate a troubling tendency by the EEOC to stereotype those who love outdoor sports and support conservation as people who unlawfully discriminate or oppose equal opportunity for all.” Mike Rowland, vice president for human resources at Bass Pro.
Fishing and hunting gear supplier Bass Pro Shops knowingly and systematically discriminated against Hispanic and black applicants in hiring, and some of its managers used racial slurs, a U.S. government agency charged.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Wednesday filed a rare federal lawsuit against Missouri-based Bass Pro Shops in Houston federal court.
The company, which operates a popular chain of monster stores selling all kinds of outdoor equipment, told Reuters on Thursday that the complaints stem from the stereotype that people who like outdoor sports are racist rednecks.
“This investigation and the EEOC’s conduct demonstrate a troubling tendency by the EEOC to stereotype those who love outdoor sports and support conservation as people who unlawfully discriminate or oppose equal opportunity for all,” Rowland said.
He said that on several occasions, government investigators remarked that Bass Pro Shops’ sponsorship of a NASCAR race team indicated “the company is more likely to discriminate against minorities.”
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