McDonald’s Sued by Conservative Group over Hispanic Scholarship Program
Conservative Activist Group Files Lawsuit
A conservative activist group, the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), has filed a lawsuit against McDonald’s and International Scholarship and Tuition Services, claiming that the fast food giant’s scholarship program for Hispanic students unlawfully discriminates against non-Hispanics and violates federal law.
About the HACER Scholarship Program
The HACER program awards 30 college scholarships worth up to $100,000 each year to students with at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino heritage, among other criteria. The program was founded by McDonald’s owner/operator Richard Castro after he noticed increasing school dropout rates among Hispanic students due to financial difficulties.
Accusations of Discrimination
According to the lawsuit, the HACER program discriminates against non-Hispanics, including those with severe financial need and racial minorities such as blacks, Arabs, and Native Americans. Edward Blum, president of AAER, stated that the program is “flatly barred” based on ethnic heritage, and that it is his group’s hope that McDonald’s will immediately pause the program and open it to all under-resourced high school students regardless of their ethnic heritage.
Background on AAER and Edward Blum
AAER is a nationwide membership organization dedicated to ending racial and ethnic classifications throughout America. Edward Blum, the group’s president, has previously formed Students for Fair Admissions, which filed lawsuits that led to the U.S. Supreme Court ending affirmative action in college admissions.
McDonald’s Response
McDonald’s has stated that it is in the process of reviewing the complaint and will respond to it accordingly. The company has also announced its evolution on its inclusion work, which includes reviewing programs, in partnership with its franchisees as applicable, to ensure that they align with its vision moving forward.
Impact on Diversity Practices
The lawsuit comes a week after McDonald’s announced the end to some of its diversity practices, including its goals for achieving diversity at senior leadership levels, its program to encourage suppliers to develop diversity training, and its external surveys.
Conclusion
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate around diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the United States. While some argue that such programs are necessary to promote diversity and inclusion, others claim that they are discriminatory and violate federal law.
FAQs
* What is the HACER scholarship program?
The HACER program is a college scholarship program awarded by McDonald’s to students with at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino heritage, among other criteria.
* Who is the American Alliance for Equal Rights?
The American Alliance for Equal Rights is a nationwide membership organization dedicated to ending racial and ethnic classifications throughout America.
* What is the lawsuit about?
The lawsuit claims that the HACER program unlawfully discriminates against non-Hispanics and violates federal law.
* What is McDonald’s response to the lawsuit?
McDonald’s is in the process of reviewing the complaint and will respond to it accordingly.
