DENVER — Following a 2019 complaint from a former applicant claiming discrimination, RTD announced Monday a change to their hiring practices.
Shanita Taylor, a Denver-area woman, filed a lawsuit in federal court in December 2019 because she said RTD unfairly discriminated against hiring African-American applicants.
RTD said in an announcement it has resolved the complaint raised by Taylor, which involved a policy associated with RTD's hiring practices that automatically denied employment to any applicant with more than a certain number of points on their driver's license.
In 2019, Taylor had 10 points on her driving record in the seven years prior. Her lawsuit argued the vast amount of the points were from violations with no connection to her ability to drive safely. The lawsuit argued people of color are more likely to be stopped by police and ticketed for minor violations.
RTD stated it's revised its hiring practices for transit operators to individually review applicants' driving records to determine if they are suitable for employment. It will also review all HR practices annually.
"RTD appreciates the applicant bringing this issue to the forefront, and the applicant appreciates RTD’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in its hiring practices and workplaces," the statement says.
