Discrimination in the Workplace: A Virginia Tech Company’s Shameful Act
A recent incident involving a Virginia-based tech company, Arthur Grand Technologies, has sparked outrage and concern among many. The company’s job listing, which explicitly stated that only White people and U.S.-born citizens were eligible to apply, has been deemed discriminatory and in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Discrimination has no place in the workplace.
The job posting, which was circulated on social media and generated multiple news stories, was placed by a recruiter working for an Arthur Grand subsidiary in India on the job site Indeed in March and April of 2023. The ad was for a business analyst position with the company’s sales and insurance claims team.
“It is shameful that in the 21st century, we continue to see employers using ‘whites only’ and ‘only US born’ job postings to lock out otherwise eligible job candidates of color,” said Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general with the department’s civil rights division. “I share the public’s outrage at Arthur Grand’s appalling and discriminatory ban on job candidates based on citizenship status, national origin, color, and race.”
The consequences of discrimination can be severe.
Arthur Grand Technologies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, the company earlier denied approving the ad and claimed it had been placed by a disgruntled worker looking to embarrass the company, according to a settlement with the Justice Department.
The company will pay a civil penalty of $7,500 under the agreement to resolve the matter. It also agreed to pay $31,000 to compensate those who filed complaints with the Department of Labor.
Equality and fairness are essential in the workplace.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. It is crucial that companies take proactive steps to prevent discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of their race, national origin, or citizenship status.
Let’s work together to create a more inclusive workplace.
