Interim HealthCare offers home healthcare services in 43 states through more than 300 independently owned franchise locations. In a job ad for nurses in Rockland County, N.Y., published Oct. 15 in a widely distributed Pennysaver newsletter, it states “no Haitians” should apply.
The ad sparked outrage in the Haitian community, as well as among elected officials. New York State Sen. David Carlucci, whose district includes Rockland County, said the ad is intentional employment discrimination and a violation of the Civil Rights Act, according to the report.
“It serves no place in our community or anywhere in this country,” said Sen. Carlucci. “I’ve called on the New York state attorney to do a thorough investigation to really correct this injustice and to make sure that this discriminatory behavior is not accepted.”
Interim HealthCare did not respond to WLRN’s request for an interview, but Kathleen Gilmartin, Interim’s president and CEO, issued an apology in a statement posted on the company’s website:
“We are deeply concerned about the Pennysaver ad placed by our franchisee in Nanuet, N.Y. We sincerely apologize for the offensive nature of the ad. We are working with our franchisee to understand how this occurred. The franchisee has retained an independent third party to conduct a review of what occurred.
IHC has been an equal opportunity employer in hiring all levels of caregivers to care for patients across the country. We deeply regret the pain and hurt this ad has caused for employees and customers. Our deepest apology goes to the Haitian community and especially Haitian nurses.”
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