Great Dane Resolves Hiring Dispute with DOJ

Great Dane, a prominent trailer manufacturer, has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to resolve allegations of discriminatory hiring practices against non-U.S. citizens. The settlement, announced on November 28, 2024, highlights the importance of fair and unbiased employment practices in today's diverse workforce.

The DOJ investigation uncovered instances where Great Dane required excessive documentation from non-U.S. citizens during the hiring process. Lawful permanent residents were disproportionately affected, as the company insisted on additional information from a Permanent Resident Card, even when applicants had already provided sufficient ID and Social Security cards. This practice was deemed unnecessary and discriminatory by the DOJ, as lawful permanent residents are not required to prove their immigration status to demonstrate work authorization.

As part of the settlement, Great Dane will pay a fine of $218,000 and establish a fund to compensate victims of its discriminatory practices. The company has agreed to revise its hiring policies to comply with the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and initiate training for its HR staff and recruiters on the anti-discrimination requirements of the INA. Great Dane will also be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure ongoing compliance.

This settlement serves as a reminder for companies to review and update their hiring practices to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations. Employers should be mindful of the rights of non-U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents in the hiring process, avoiding any unnecessary or discriminatory document requests. By fostering a fair and inclusive work environment, companies can attract and retain a diverse pool of talent while maintaining compliance with the law.



In recent years, the DOJ has actively enforced the INA's anti-discrimination provisions, securing settlements with numerous employers across various industries. In June 2022, the DOJ announced settlements with 16 employers who posted job advertisements on college recruiting platforms that discriminated against non-U.S. citizens. These cases highlight the importance of employers adhering to the INA's requirements and maintaining fair hiring practices.

As the workforce becomes increasingly diverse, companies must remain vigilant in ensuring that their hiring practices are inclusive and non-discriminatory. By doing so, they can tap into a broader talent pool, foster a more innovative and productive work environment, and mitigate potential legal risks. The Great Dane settlement serves as a valuable lesson for employers to review and update their hiring practices, ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations while promoting a fair and inclusive work environment.