Store detectives' suit says CVS required them to racially profile shoppers
Four former store detectives filed a federal class action lawsuit Wednesday in Manhattan against CVS Pharmacy Inc.
It contends company managers required loss-prevention personnel in New York City to racially profile and track minority shoppers, in violation of state and municipal human rights laws, Reuters reports.
The plaintiffs are themselves members of racial minority groups. They say they were fired for complaining about CVS discrimination and indicated in the filing that they also intend to make claims against CVS with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, but have not yet done so.
A CVS Health Corp. spokeswoman said the pharmacy chain is shocked by the lawsuit and will contest the allegations, Reuters reports.
“We serve all communities and we do not tolerate any policy or practice that discriminates against any group,” said spokeswoman Carolyn Castel.
Barneys and Macy’s settled racial profiling claims about a year ago for $525,000 and $650,000, respectively, the article notes.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “2nd black shopper plans Barneys suit, says she was stopped by cops after buying a $2,500 purse”
ABAJournal.com: “Another famed NY retailer faces ‘shop and frisk’ allegations in suit by black actor”
See also:
ABAJournal.com: “Suspected Shoplifter Dies in Employee’s Chokehold; No Charges Expected”
Huffington Post: “Anthony Kyser Death: Video Of Alleged CVS Shoplifter’s Killing Prompts Call For New Probe”
