THE HOTEL CHAIN THAT, IN 2009, BANNED WORKERS IN TAOS FROM SPEAKING SPANISH AND MADE THEM CHANGE THEIR SPANISH FIRST NAMES IS NOW BEING SUED. THE U-S EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION LAST FRIDAY FILED SUIT AGAINST FOUR WHITTEN INN HOTELS, ACCUSED OF SUBJECTING MINORITY EMPLOYEES TO A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT IN NEW MEXICO, TEXAS, AND SOUTH CAROLINA … AND THREATENING TO FIRE THOSE WHO COMPLAINED ABOUT IT.
HOTEL OWNER LARRY WHITTEN NO LONGER OWNS THE HOTEL IN TAOS, BUT FEDERAL OFFICIALS SAY WORKERS DEALT WITH RACIAL SLURS AND DEROGATORY COMMENTS. THE LAWSUIT IS SEEKING BACK PAY, LOST BENEFITS, AND DAMAGES FOR THE WORKERS.
