The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) contends Rocky Gap Casino, a casino and resort in Flintstone, Maryland, violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it failed to conduct a thorough investigation of sexual harassment complaints made by a female bartender. Golden Entertainment Inc., the former owner and operator of Rocky Gap, will pay $100,000 to the victim and change its policies to prevent future occurrences.
Bartender forced to quit after subjected to harassment
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, a female bartender was subjected to sexual harassment by a male bartender. The male bartender groped the female bartender’s buttocks and made sexual comments to her. When the female bartender complained, her supervisors did nothing to stop the harassment and they continued to schedule her to work with her harasser. She was told by the male bartender that nothing would happen to him. The harassment did not stop. The female bartender continued to make complaints. The female bartender was finally moved to another station, but it was less lucrative. She felt as if she was being forced to quit.
Sexual harassment prohibited
The EEOC alleges that this conduct violated Title VII, which prohibits harassment and discrimination based on sex. EEOC Regional Attorney Debra M. Lawrence said, “Sexual harassment is common in the hospitality industry, and managers of these businesses must be vigilant in protecting employees.”
Employers are required to fully investigate any complaints of harassment. This can include talking to witnesses and reviewing security camera footage, not just talking to the victim and alleged harasser. In addition to the monetary relief paid to the victim, the company will also have to report to the EEOC about future sexual harassment complaints.
Employers have a legal obligation to protect workers from sexual harassment
It’s estimated that sexual harassment is most prevalent in the hospitality industry. One study found that 75% of its participants experienced harassment. Although the environment in the hospitality industry tends to be casual, fun, and friendly, this is not a license for tolerating harassment. Businesses must take steps to prevent sexual harassment and to remedy any complaints.
Dawn Brotherton is a Sr. Staff Writer at The American Genius with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is an experienced business writer with over 10 years of experience in SEO and content creation. Since 2017, she has earned $60K+ in grant writing for a local community center, which assists disadvantaged adults in the area.
