US Department of Labor resolves alleged hiring discrimination found in routine evaluation of national research center hiring practices

Summary:

The National Opinion Research Center (NORC), affiliated with the University of Chicago, has agreed to pay $95,000 in back wages and interest to 107 Asian applicants to resolve alleged hiring discrimination found in a U.S. Department of Labor investigation. The investigation, conducted by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), found that NORC discriminated against Asian applicants for positions as coronavirus contact tracers in Maryland and Delaware between May 2020 to August 2021. As part of the conciliation agreement, NORC will review its hiring policies and procedures to ensure they are free from discrimination and will train employees to ensure equal employment opportunities.