PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — A lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleges management at a central Illinois hotel failed to stop racist comments and conduct toward at least one black employee.
Chicago-based commission director Julianne Bowman says a preliminary investigation showed an employee at Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center was subjected to racial slurs and comments about slavery, among other things. That’s according to The (Bloomington) Pantagraph.
Hotel officials declined comment. A spokeswoman for the hotel’s Missouri-based operator says protocols in place ensure adherence to federal employment policies.
A Nov. 30 status hearing is scheduled. The lawsuit was filed in Peoria’s federal court. Federal officials said they first attempted a settlement. The lawsuit alleges management knew the harassment had happened since 2012 but didn’t stop it.
The lawsuit seeks compensation.
