While steadfastly denying the allegations, Bass Pro Shops agreed to pay a hefty fine to settle a lawsuit brought but the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The lawsuit claimed that the sporting goods retailer systematically discriminated against people of color in its hiring and promotion decisions, then punished employees who complained about the practices. Bass Pro Shops strongly denied the assertions and demanded that the settlement include a statement that specified that no guilty finding had been registered against its founder. Still, the company has committed to enhancing its efforts to recruit black and Hispanic employees, through methods such as working with historically black colleges and universities to hire new graduates and establishing an Office of Diversity and Inclusion within its own corporate structure. These efforts are particularly pertinent and necessary as Bass Pro Shops seeks to acquire its competitor Cabela’s, which similarly was accused of racially discriminatory hiring practices by the EEOC several years ago. The $10.5 million settlement also may be used to support programs that encourage minority youth to participate more in outdoor sports and activities, such that future generations might express more interest in working for the retailer.

Source: Michelle Ma, The Wall Street Journal, July 26, 2017