Indianapolis Sportswear and Equipment Provider Agrees to Pay $600,000 To Resolve Discrimination Alleged by U.S. Department of Labor

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – BSN Sports LLC Indianapolis will pay $600,000 in back pay and interest to more than 3,000 job applicants at its Indianapolis, Indiana, production facility as part an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to resolve alleged hiring discrimination.

During a routine compliance evaluation, OFCCP found that BSN Sports LLC Indianapolis discriminated against 1,880 Black, 1,188 white and 219 male applicants for general production positions such as picking, shipping and receiving, packing, production support, embroidery, digital fusion and screen print, who were not hired. OFCCP found that the federal contractor also discriminated against 311 male applicants for production artist positions, who were not hired.

“BSN Sports is working cooperatively with the U.S. Department of Labor to improve its compliance with federal law by resolving allegations of discriminatory hiring and agreeing to implement proactive measures in the hiring of applicants to production positions,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Regional Director for the Midwest Region Carmen Navarro. “We appreciate this employer’s work towards reaching an agreement that will improve its training, policies and procedures.”

In addition to the distribution of back pay and interest under the agreement, BSN Sports LLC Indianapolis will ensure that its hiring policies and procedures are free from discrimination. The contractor will also provide job opportunities to 56 Black, 55 white and nine male applicants in general production positions and four male applicants in production artist positions. The company also agreed to provide training to all managers, supervisors and other company officials who oversee hiring decisions.

BSN Sports LLC Indianapolis – a subsidiary of BSN Sports LLC of Texas– does not admit liability and denies OFCCP’s allegations. The company, an international sports equipment and apparel provider, has contracts for services with the U.S. Air Force and other government agencies.

OFCCP enforces Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. These laws, as amended, make it illegal for contractors and subcontractors doing business with the federal government to discriminate in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran. In addition, contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from discriminating against applicants or employees because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their compensation or the compensation of others subject to certain limitations, and may not retaliate against applicants or employees for engaging in protected activities. These laws also require that federal contractors provide equal employment opportunity through affirmative action. For more information, please call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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