After a federal investigation revealed that Fresno County skipped over an older Black employee qualified for at least two job promotions, the county has agreed to a $50,000 settlement.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said Wednesday in a news release that it investigated the allegations and found reasonable cause to believe the county violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967.

The EEOC said the settlement was attained through its voluntary pre-litigation process.

Settlement Includes HR Employee Training

Without admitting liability, the county agreed to enter a two-year conciliation agreement with the EEOC. And, the county will require human resources employees to complete anti-discrimination training.

“Taking into account a person’s race or age when making employment-based decisions, has no place in today’s workforce,” said Patricia Kane, acting director of the EEOC’s Fresno Local Office. “We commend the County of Fresno for resolving this charge and for putting in place measures that will have a positive impact throughout the entire human resources department within the county.”

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov/racecolor-discrimination.