Background and Relevance of the Case
Google, a leading global technology company and subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has agreed to pay $50 million to settle a lawsuit alleging systematic racial bias against its Black employees.
This case involves more than 4,000 Google employees in California and New York who claim that the company’s corporate culture is infused with racial prejudices. These prejudices, according to the lawsuit, result in Black employees being directed towards lower-level positions, receiving less pay, having their performance evaluations downgraded, and being denied opportunities for advancement.
The plaintiff, April Curley, was hired to expand Google’s reach among historically Black universities. She alleges that she was denied promotions, stereotyped as an “angry Black woman,” and fired after six years while preparing a report on the company’s alleged racial bias.
Allegations of Racial Bias
The lawsuit further claims that Google’s leadership discredited Black employees by labeling them as not being “Googley” or lacking “Googleyness,” a claim the plaintiffs consider racist.
Key Details of the Settlement
The preliminary agreement, presented in a federal court in Oakland, California, on Thursday, requires judicial approval. The settlement fund of $50 million will cover legal fees and compensate affected employees.
Google, based in Mountain View, California, denied any wrongdoing by accepting the settlement and stated that it complies with all applicable laws. The company declined to comment further on Friday.
Origins and Progression of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was initiated in March 2022, following an investigation by a regulatory body, now known as the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, into Google’s treatment of its Black female employees.
The plaintiffs’ attorneys may seek up to $12.5 million from the settlement fund for legal fees. On Monday, they dismissed related claims filed on behalf of job applicants, citing gathered evidence and Google’s “reasoned arguments.” The case is Curley et al v Google LLC, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 22-01735.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the lawsuit about? The lawsuit alleges systematic racial bias by Google against its Black employees, including discriminatory hiring practices, lower-level job assignments, unequal pay, and denial of advancement opportunities.
- Who are the plaintiffs? The lead plaintiff is April Curley, who was hired to expand Google’s reach among historically Black universities. She claims she was denied promotions, stereotyped, and fired while preparing a report on the company’s alleged racial bias.
- What does Google say? Google denied any wrongdoing and stated that it complies with all applicable laws. The company declined to comment further on the settlement.
- How much will Google pay? Google has agreed to pay $50 million to settle the lawsuit. This amount will cover legal fees and compensation for affected employees.
- What triggered the lawsuit? The lawsuit was initiated following an investigation by a regulatory body, now known as the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, into Google’s treatment of its Black female employees.
