Sheetz accused of racial discrimination in its hiring process

A federal agency has accused a well-known gas station chain of discriminatory hiring practices against applicants from Black, Native American, and multiracial backgrounds. The chain’s criminal screening process allegedly disproportionately screens out individuals from these protected groups. The gas station chain rejects applicants with criminal records. The lawsuit claims that these practices violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits workplace discrimination. The case, which has been ongoing for several years, is now heading to court after unsuccessful settlement attempts. The alleged discriminatory practices have been occurring in Maryland since at least 2015. The lawsuit seeks to end the current hiring practice, implement equal employment policies and programs, and provide back pay for affected applicants. Sheetz, the gas station chain, operates over 600 stores on the East Coast.