Eeoc Sues Panda Express for Sexual Harrasment

EEOC Sues Panda Express for Sexual Harassment

America can be made up of different cultures; therefore culture diversity plays a major part in today's workforce. In the workforce, individuals may share some of the same qualities, but have different cultures. Culture refers to one's beliefs, values, or traditions shared by the same groups of individuals; such as race, gender, or religion. The lengths of measurement that correspond with cultural diversity in the workplace include Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, gender, or national origin (EEOC, 2010). The sexual harassment lawsuit will reveal the effects on what happens when a supervisor at a Panda Express restaurant in Maui, Hawaii, does not abide by the ethical responsibilities set out by the company. Whenever there are situations as such, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) steps in to take action on any form of sexual harassment, discrimination, or any other unethical issues.

The Lawsuit

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 supports the laws of the EEOC. As a result of these laws, in September 2012, there was a lawsuit (EEOC v. Panda Express, Inc. and Panda Restaurant Groups, Inc., Case No. CV12-00530-RLP)(EEOC, 2012) filed in Honolulu by the EEOC against a Panda Express restaurant in Maui, Hawaii. Three teenagers reported that they were mistreated verbally and physically by the manager; with the possibility of there being more. There was groping and sexual propositions done to one of the teenager's, which caused an uncomfortable environment and forced her report the behavior to the general manager (Star Advertisement, 2012). Because of her bravery, her hours were cut and, she eventually resigned. Another teenager felt the need to resign as well to prevent the same manager from further harassing her. The teen that spoke out and was treated differently after identifying what she believed was an issue, is what led to the lawsuit. The consequences of being sued by the EEOC and dealing with that reputation were difficulties that they organization must now face. In addition to having to pay the teens lost wages, front pay, compensatory damages, and punitive damages (Star Advertisement, 2012). When the EEOC files a lawsuit against any company, there are laws that they are required to adhere by.

Functions of EEOC

The function of the EEOC is to make sure that sexual harassment or discrimination under Title VII Civil Rights Acts of 1964 does not take place in a workplace (EEOC 2012). The commission's responsibility is to implement the requirements of Title VII for anything done by an employer unlawfully. In an instance which someone may feel as though they were mistreated, discriminated against, or sexually harassed because of their race, sex, gender, age, national origin, due to pregnancy or being disabled, the EEOC should be immediately notified. The EEOC should also be notified if there is retaliation against someone for speaking out about being mistreated; as in this case. The EEOC plays different roles in lawsuits, depending on the case.

The EEOC's Role in the Lawsuit

The EEOC's role and commitment in this particular lawsuit is to ensure that in the future, teenage girls will be able to go to work without being sexually harassed or discriminated against, and able to report it without retaliation. The EEOC wants to re enforce the training for employees and change some of their policies to prevent future cases (EEOC, 2012)(Star Advertisement, 2012). No employee should have to tolerate sexual harassment and not be able to speak about it without being disciplined. The EEOC puts forth effort to making a change in this particular Panda Express as well as other restaurants throughout the country.

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