American Eagle Outfitters has agreed to
alter a company policy that discriminated against transgender people,
the New York Daily News reported.
The clothing giant will end a policy
that imposed gender specific clothing requirements on employees.
The change is a result of an agency
probe launched last year by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo's office launched the investigation after wage rights group
Make the Road
New York alleged the retailer was discriminating against
transgender job seekers. New York protects applicants from gender
identity-based discrimination.
“To avoid further expenses and the
distraction of a prolonged argument, [we have] agreed to a compromise
settlement in this case, with the understanding that AEO is not
admitting to the findings,” a company spokeswoman said in a
statement.
“We wholeheartedly believe that
transgender individuals should be treated equally,” she added.
Under the settlement, American Eagle
Outfitters has promised to change its employee “personal
appearance” policy and has agreed to train its staff on transgender
issues.