Brief: Shoe store accused of racial bias

Ruthann Jackson, a former store manager, and Aaron Lauderdale, a former assistant manager, filed the suit in Clark County District Court.

Lauderdale, who is black, said he was quizzed by a superior and when he didn't have all the answers, was suspended and later fired. The suit alleges white assistant managers were not quizzed and one present when it took place said he did not know all the answers.

The suit alleges Jackson was fired because she protested the treatment of Lauderdale and because she complained about a directive to hire fewer people of color and more white people.

Attempts to contact officials of the Birmingham, Ala.-based company for comment failed.

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