Corning Incorporated has agreed to pay $120,000 and implement additional measures to resolve a sex discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The federal agency accused Corning of overlooking female “process assistants” for promotions at its Sullivan Park and Big Flats facilities in south-central New York.
The EEOC claimed Corning favored male employees by providing them with advanced training opportunities and tweaking eligibility criteria to position them for lead roles over equally or more competent women. Such actions breach Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forbids sex-based discrimination in employment. After unsuccessful attempts to mediate, the EEOC initiated the lawsuit in December 2021. As part of the settlement, Corning will also undergo enhanced anti-discrimination training, overhaul its employment equality policies, modify hiring processes, and report any discrimination or retaliation complaints to the EEOC for three years.
EEOC’s New York regional attorney, Jeffrey Burstein, acknowledged Corning’s commitment to reforming its hiring practices. He emphasized that these changes should foster the growth of qualified personnel irrespective of their gender. EEOC’s Acting District Director in New York, Timothy Riera, urged employers to ensure unbiased decision-making in promotions and training opportunities.
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