|
In addition, Texas Roadhouse makes clear that it “seeks diverse candidates” and “tak[es] into account diversity in all respects” — “including gender, race, age” when considering nominees to its Board of Directors.
The restaurant chain also describes several initiatives that advance members of certain races and sexes, appearing to exclude white men from certain career development programs. Specifically, the Women’s Leadership Summit “provide[s] a space for our leaders to network, develop, and grow.” In addition, Texas Roadhouse hosted its first African American Leadership Summit in 2024, providing employees with “two days of connection, professional development, and community building.”
It is unlawful to allow race or sex to have any influence on an employment decision, whether that is selecting a Director or providing career development opportunities.
Texas Roadhouse has acknowledged that reputational harm and the cost of defending itself against allegations of unlawful conduct could hinder the company’s success.
Despite acknowledging these risks, Texas Roadhouse’s public statements show that the company appears to presently be engaged in practices that risk bringing forth reputational harm and costly compliance.
Accordingly, Texas Roadhouse should immediately abandon its unlawful pursuit of DEI before its shareholders become DEI’s next victims.
“Texas Roadhouse’s policies are a relic of an era where DEI contaminated American culture with the false belief that good intentions make discrimination okay. Whether it is in the cockpit, the boardroom, or the kitchen, discrimination on the basis of race or sex is never okay. It is past time for Texas Roadhouse to join other companies in clearing DEI off Americans’ tables for good,” said Will Scolinos, America First Legal Counsel.
Read the federal EEOC complaint here.
Read the board letter here.
|
