Legal Question in Business Law in Missouri

Employment Law

Can a company discriminate based on a name. Example: An OTR driver had an appointment with a company to pick up a load to take to another place. The person checking papers looked at his drivers license and b/c of his name Amir asked if he was born here. The driver was not born here however is a US citizen and has been for the last 4 years and being in the US since he was 14 yrs old. The company would not let Amir take the load. This is discrimination. The driver was not carrying anything hazardous, (even though he is licensed to haul dangerous material).


Asked on 12/17/07, 3:07 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Employment Law

My dear friend the story you tell is one that is familiar to all kinds of citizens. The Irish and the Italians and the Hispanics and the Jews all fight this kind of prejudice daily. However, knowing you are not alone probably doesn't make you feel any better about it.

What you describe is discimination based on national origin. It is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act. You should file a complaint with the EEOC in the city or jurisdiction where this company does business and where the discrimination took place. I don't know if they will ultimately take action against the company or not, but you would certianly be well within your rights to file the complaint. If you are in Missouri and it occurred here, you can go to the Missouri Human Rights Commission to file your action.

Good luck, and on behalf of my paranoid and bigoted brothers, let me tell you I am sorry this happened to you.

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Answered on 12/17/07, 3:37 pm


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