Downtown Las Vegas Operator Settles Disability Discrimination Lawsuit

A downtown Las Vegas hotel and casino operator will have to pay a hefty sum to settle a disability discrimination lawsuit filed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). On Thursday, the federal agency announced that DTG Las Vegas, Fifth Street Gaming, as well as and DTG Las Vegas Manager, companies that operate the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will have to pay $720,000 as a part of a disability discrimination and retaliation lawsuit.

In its lawsuit, the EEOC alleged that Downtown Grand has engaged in discrimination against employees on a number of instances since 2018. Such alleged discriminatory actions included termination of an employee who had to carry an ostomy bag due to colon cancer. Moreover, the EEOC alleged that the operator did not provide reasonable accommodation for employees who had disabilities.

Due to alleged discriminatory actions, some of Downtown Grand’s employees were forced to leave as they had no ability to continue their employment, claimed the EEOC. As noted, besides the discriminatory actions, the operator allegedly engaged in retaliation against former employees. The EEOC charged the operator for “unlawfully retaliating against employees who sought their rights to reasonable accommodations.”

“The agency further maintained that the company retaliated against employees who made requests for accommodations or who sought to enforce their rights under federal law through the EEOC, by subjecting them to undesirable working conditions and discipline, including termination,“

reads a statement released by the EEOC

The EEOC Remains Vigilant

Michael Mendoza, the EEOC’s local director for Las Vegas, highlighted the importance of the federal agency’s work. He said that the EEOC will continue its work and ensure that rights of people with disabilities are protected under the established laws.

“The ADA protects workers with disabilities from discrimination and guarantees them the right to a reasonable accommodation in order to ensure their equal access to employment.“

Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Los Angeles District

Anna Park, EEOC’s regional attorney for the Los Angeles District, which includes Las Vegas, revealed that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps protect workers with disabilities from discrimination at the workplace. Moreover, she spoke about the importance of the ADA which helps ensure equal access to employment for people with disabilities, guaranteeing their rights. Finally, Park confirmed that the latest case reaffirms the EEOC’s dedication to enforcing the rights of people with disabilities.