July 12, 2005

Shoppers Sue WM for Alleged Associate Racism

Allegedly, WM associates challenged black people to demonstrate that they had not stolen goods, but left their white companions alone:

Ten shoppers filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Wal-Mart Stores Inc., alleging that employees in the Avon store targeted them as potential shoplifters based on their race.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Boston, claims that in 2002 and 2003, employees at the store followed the shoppers, then searched their shopping bags, purses and clothing. None of the shoppers was charged with shoplifting....

In December, the shoppers offered to settle the case for $400,000, according to the lawsuit. Wal-Mart offered to enter into private mediation with the shoppers, but did not make a settlement offer.

Is suing WM in Boston for conduct in Alabama a form of venue-shopping?

Posted by Kevin on July, 12 2005 at 04:51 PM