Just as the adage is that “the coverup is worse than the crime,” we know that in employment law, “the retaliation claim is more dangerous than the ­underlying ­discrimination.” The latest example of this is in the recent decision of Austin v. Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., 2:16-CV-06509-TR (Aug. 30).

Mostly Hispanic Kitchen Staff

Mark Austin began working as a cook in the kitchen of Bonefish Grill in April 2015. He was one of two African-Americans working full-time in the kitchen. The other eight kitchen employees were all Hispanic. Kevin Rothery was the restaurant’s on-site manager.