EEOC Settles National Origin Discrimination Lawsuit Against Sierra Pacific Industries for $95,000
An Egyptian-American will receive $95,000 from Sierra Pacific Industries, based in Redding, California, to settle a suit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Commission (EEOC) that alleged national origin discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The EEOC alleged that Egyptian-American worker Ahmed Eshanaway faced national origin discrimination from his co-workers at Sierra Pacific after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Eshanaway’s co-workers alleged verbally harassed him, calling him names such as “Osama” and “camel jockey.” In addition, the company allegedly retaliated against Eshanaway after he complained about the discrimination by imposing harsh discipline and then firing him. Although Sierra Pacific denied the allegations, it agreed to pay $95,000, host annual trainings, report any further discrimination complaints, and post its revised anti-discrimination policies.
William R. Tamayo, EEOC San Francisco Regional Attorney, said, “The EEOC is pleased with this settlement and commends Sierra Pacific for its cooperation in resolving this case. We also thank Mr. Eshanaway for having the courage to report this discrimination.”
The Employment Law Group® law firm has an extensive discrimination practice and has broad experience fighting for the rights of employees who have been victims of discrimination and retaliation by their employers.
