SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) -- BMW is asking a federal judge to dismiss an employment discrimination complaint filed against it by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
BMW Manufacturing Co. said in its response to a commission lawsuit suit filed in June that the automaker did not engage in illegal employment practices on the basis of race at its Greer plant.
In its complaint, the commission said BMW had violated former employees' civil rights by using criminal background checks that had a disproportionate effect on black employees and applicants. The agency said the screenings discriminate against African-Americans, who have higher arrest and conviction rates than whites.
In its filing with the U.S. District Court in Spartanburg, the company asks for dismissal of the lawsuit and asks that the commission pay its attorneys' fees.
