Federal agency files lawsuit accusing Forum Shops owner of discrimination
A federal agency has filed a lawsuit against shopping mall owner Simon Property Group Inc., alleging it discriminated against Hispanic employees at its Forum Shops at Caesars on the Strip.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the civil rights lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas. The lawsuit claims the Indianapolis-based company subjected at least four men to a "hostile work environment based on their national origin."
A Simon Property Group spokesman did not return a call seeking comment on Wednesday.
The company owns the upscale shopping mall connected to Caesars Palace casino-hotel, along with more than 380 properties nationwide, according to its Web site.
The lawsuit says the Hispanic workers were subjected to physical intimidation and derogatory racial slurs.
"Despite having notice of such harassment, defendants failed to take prompt and effective remedial measures," the lawsuit states.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said it is seeking compensation for the employees, as well as an injunction against Simon Property Group barring it from discriminatory practices.
