INDIANA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION CHARGES BAR WITH VIOLATIONS OF CIVIL RIGHTS LAW

INDIANAPOLIS--The Deputy Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission has found

probable cause to believe that a Broadripple bar’s dress code is in violation of the

Indiana Civil Rights Law. The Notice of Finding, issued by the Deputy Director after an

investigation of the claims, argues that Landsharks’ dress code has the effect of

disproportionately excluding minority patrons relative to Caucasian patrons. The dress

code prohibits, among other things, gang attire, loose fitting pants, single-color t-shirts,

chains worn outside of one’s shirt and picks in one’s hair, attire arguably more prevalent

among members of particular minority populations. Relying on precedent from

employment discrimination cases, the Deputy Director’s position is that Landsharks

could implement policies with a less discriminatory impact to achieve its legitimate

business goals of ensuring a peaceful and fun atmosphere. If a settlement is not

reached, a public hearing will be held before an Administrative Law Judge, and a final

order will be issued by the seven-member Commission. (Commissioners are appointed

by the Governor.)

Indiana civil rights statutes prohibit discrimination in the areas of employment, real estate, public

accommodations, credit, and education on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, disability,

national origin, ancestry, and familial status (with respect to housing only). People who believe

they have been unlawfully discriminated against should contact the Indiana Civil Rights

Commission at (317) 232-2600, (800) 628-2909 or www.in.gov/icrc.

Joan T. Essex
Chief Financial Officer
Indiana Civil Rights Commission
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N103
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Ph: 317-232-2615

Fx: 317-234-6887
jessex@icrc.in.gov

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