Kane’s Furniture Settles $1.48M Sex Discrimination Lawsuit

Kane’s Furniture Settles $1.48M Sex Discrimination Lawsuit

Introduction

Kane’s Furniture, LLC, a Florida-based retail company, has agreed to pay $1,482,748 in monetary relief and implement significant equitable measures to resolve a federal class-action sex discrimination lawsuit, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Discriminatory Hiring Practices

The EEOC lawsuit alleged that, since at least 2021, Kane’s Furniture systematically excluded female applicants from driver and warehouse positions at its distribution center and 18 retail locations across Florida. Recruiters allegedly screened out women during the hiring process, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on sex.

Legal Action and Settlement Terms

After unsuccessful attempts at a voluntary resolution through conciliation, the EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Kane’s Furniture, LLC, Civil Action No.: 8:23-cv-02067-SDM-NHA) in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. Under the three-year consent decree, Kane’s Furniture will:

• Revise hiring policies to ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

• Implement new Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and training programs.

• Appoint an independent expert to monitor compliance, investigate complaints, and oversee training.

• Provide annual reports to the EEOC on any sex discrimination complaints.

EEOC’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity

“Sixty years after the Civil Rights Act, some employers still refuse to hire women,” said the EEOC Chair. “This resolution reinforces the fundamental principle of equal employment opportunity.”

The EEOC Assistant Regional Attorney emphasized that Kane’s Furniture disregarded qualified applicants solely based on their gender, and the settlement ensures women have fair access to traditionally male-dominated roles.

The EEOC Miami District Director added, “This settlement highlights our dedication to eliminating hiring barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all job seekers.”