On October 13, 1999, a group of African American employees filed a claim under 42 U.S.C. §1981 and 42 U.S.C. §2000 against Dillard's, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Kansas City Division. The plaintiffs, represented by private counsel, then filed First and Second Amended Class Action Complaints on February 3, 2000, and June 1, 2000, respectively. They sought declaratory, injunctive, and monetary relief, claiming that the defendant discriminated against African American employees in compensation, promotions, training, job requirements, and other terms and conditions of employment. Plaintiffs also claimed to have been subject to hostile work environments and were retaliated against for asserting their civil rights.

On July 7, 2001, the parties filed a Joint Motion for Preliminary Approval of Settlement. On July 17, 2001, the Court (Hon. Ortrie D. Smith) responded with an order expressing preliminary views of the parties' settlement agreement, but granted preliminary approval of the Class Action Settlement on July 31, 2001.

On December 7, 2001, the Court issued a Conditional Final Order Approving the Settlement contingent upon the parties' revising the terms concerning the amount of monetary relief awarded to the Class Representatives. After further negotiation, on January 16, 2002, the court granted final approval of the settlement and dismissed the case with prejudice. Plaintiffs were awarded monetary relief and injunctive relief, with awards totaling $5,600,000, and the enforcement of promulgating and publishing Equal Employment Opportunity policies, implementing a new complaint and dispute resolution process, and making job opportunities available to all interested individuals.

Katrina Campos - 07/15/2010


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