According to a new report by HR Dive, Hooters of America, LLC, has agreed to pay $250,000 to settle a race and discrimination lawsuit in NC. According to the report, the popular wing chain laid off roughly 43 workers in the Greensboro area during the pandemic.
However, according to the lawsuit – the chain rehired the workers in May 2020 “With 92% of those rehired Hooters Girls either being White or having lighter skin tones”.
The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) released a statement saying “The lawsuit also alleged that Hooters Girls with dark skin tones experienced racial hostility and observed preferential treatment of White employees while employed at the restaurant”. In addition to the $250,000, Hooters can no longer make decisions based on “race or color”.