The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is suing a medical provider for allegedly refusing to hire men and retaliating against one applicant.
Northern Arizona Orthopaedics is accused of hiring women over men who were more qualified for at least two positions. The lawsuit accuses the provider of retaliating against one male applicant who complained about the alleged discrimination. The provider allegedly told the man not to apply for any other positions with it.
A call by McKnight’s seeking comment from Northern Arizona Orthopaedics was not returned by production deadline.
The EEOC is arguing the alleged discrimination violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits gender discrimination and retaliation for making a complaint. The parties attempted to reach a settlement prior to the lawsuit, but was unable to come to an agreement “acceptable to the (EEOC),” court documents stated.
The lawsuit is seeking back pay, compensatory damages and punitive damages in amounts to be determined in trial for the qualified male applicants and remedies to prevent future discrimination.
