The commitment from of Live! Hotel & Casino to have a
diverse group of both temporary and permanent workers is not enough to satisfy
those accusing the owners of racially discriminatory practices.
"The offer is unsurprising and doesn't negate the
allegations of their racially discriminatory practices, which will be fully
aired in Monday's [City Council zoning] hearing," said Paula Peebles,
leader of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Action Network.
Cordish Cos. and Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment Inc.
are teaming up on the bid for Live!
The casino's parent company, Stadium Casino LLC — a joint
venture between Cordish Cos. and Parx Casino owner Greenwood Gaming and
Entertainment Inc. — on Thursday announced a commitment to four key
initiatives, including the inclusion of minority and women businesses.
The company also said Thursday it would report to a
diversity advisory board, the members of which will be announced by Councilman
Kenyatta Johnson at a later date.
NAN previously alleged Cordish Cos. of discriminating
against African-Americans, including the use of "rabbits," or white
males hired to start fights with African-American patrons, who would then be
asked to leave the property on the basis of those fights.
The group released the report, "Indicted," in
early September that includes allegations against Cordish from former employees
in Louisville, Kentucky, and Kansas City, Missouri.
COO Zed Smith earlier discounted the claims as
"false and malicious" allegations being spread by "special
interests for their own selfish gain," and also said several groups,
including the NAACP, already debunked the claims of racism.
"To put it in perspective, over our 100 years as a
company, we’ve only had a couple lawsuits against us whereas our peer companies
have exponentially more lawsuits of these types against them," said Joe
Weinberg, president of the gaming and lodging division at Cordish, in an earlier
interview.
Source: Philadelphia
Business Journal
No comments:
Post a Comment