Bass Pro responds to discrimination allegations, denies any wrongdoing

Bass Pro Outdoor World is denying all allegations in a lawsuit filed last week by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming the company discriminates against black and Hispanic applicants when hiring and retaliates against employees who oppose such discriminatory practices. “The EEOC’s allegations are contrary to our profound respect for and commitment to our team of experienced and knowledgeable associates, and we are determined to prove them wrong,” says Mike Rowland, vice president for human resources at Bass Pro, in a prepared statement. Rowland says the company has long been committed to full compliance with laws against employment discrimination and retaliation, and has policies and procedures to assure compliance. He also says Bass Pro has cooperated with the EEOC throughout its investigation, providing documents and witnesses. In addition to a store in Denham Springs and another planned for New Orleans, the Missouri-based company operates about 50 other Bass Pro Shops nationwide. According to the suit, managers and employees in stores in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Indiana and Texas have been overheard making racist remarks and discriminating against minority applicants.