Target Sued Over their Pretty Offensive Training Document
Three former employees of Target have filed suit against the company, alleging that their management, among other things, distributed a training document clarifying that not every Hispanic "wears a sombrero."
RELATED: Why You Can't Avoid the Obama-Osama Mixup
The, frankly, embarrassing memo, which Target has acknowledged (with the caveat that it was only used informally at one distribution center), reads (via Courthouse News):
"This document instructs managers to note differences among Hispanic employees, and states the following: "a. Food: not everyone eats tacos and burritos; "b. Music: not everyone dances to salsa; "c. Dress: not everyone wears a sombrero; "d. Mexicans (lower education level, some may be undocumented); "e. Cubans (Political refugees, legal status, higher education level); and "f. They may say 'OK, OK' and pretend to understand, when they do not, just to save face."
The suit goes on to note that most of the management at the center were white, and that they used racial slurs against their Hispanic employees. The three ex-employees allege that they were fired after complaining about their treatment.
RELATED: Even Babies Are a Little Racist; Handwashing Really Works
For what it's worth, here is Target's official statement on the incident, via Consumerist:
It is never Target’s intent to offend our team members or guests and we apologize. The content of the document referenced is not representative of who Target is. We strive at all times to be a place where our team and guests feel welcome, valued and respected. This document, which was used during conversations at one distribution center, was never part of any formal or company-wide training. We take accountability for its contents and are truly sorry.
