A jury has recently awarded an ex-employee of Roscoe’s Chicken N’ Waffles in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California, over $1 million in damages. Daniel Beasley, an African American man, sued the restaurant chain for racial discrimination and wrongful termination. Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘n Waffles is a soul food chain that is popular among celebrities such as Snoop Dogg and Larry King. The lawsuit alleged that managers at the restaurant harassed him for being black and favored Latino employees with special treatment including better schedules.
According to Beasley, the Pico Boulevard restaurant is owned by an African American individual but gives full authority to Hispanic individuals to run it.
Beasley’s grandfather said he complained to human resources, as well as the company’s owner but no action was taken. Beasley was later fired for what he alleges was retaliation. Beasley stated, “It just caught me by surprise because here I am getting fired when I’m trying to fix the problem.” He also said that he became homeless after losing his job.
“You can’t treat people like that and get away with it constantly,” Beasley continued.
Beasley and his attorney hope that the jury’s decision of awarding the victim $1.6M sends a clear message to businesses. “Racism, racial harassment can occur really anywhere even in a black-owned business,” said Beasley’s attorney, Scott Cummings.
Roscoe’s Chicken N’ Waffles owns seven locations across Southern California and can appeal the decision.
Race and ancestry discrimination is unlawful no matter how it is manifested. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, and ancestry. Employers are prohibited from denying employment or promotion, or from harassing or differentially treating an employee because of his or her race, national origin, or ancestry. Racial/ancestry discrimination can also take the form of unjust discipline and wrongful termination. If you feel that you have been discriminated against in your New Jersey workplace, it’s important to contact an experienced discrimination lawyer in NJ. Call Schorr & Associates, P.C. at 856-874-9090.