In 2018, Papa John's founder John Schnatter stepped down after reports revealed he used a racial slur on a conference call, which led to public outrage and brand backlash. This incident exposed weaknesses in the company’s risk management and crisis protocols, specifically concerning discriminatory behavior and workplace culture.

An affirmative defense strategy under Title VII could have potentially helped Papa John's. By actively implementing strong anti-discrimination policies and response mechanisms, the company would not only demonstrate commitment to ethical standards but also safeguard its brand reputation. These policies serve to mitigate risks by ensuring that offensive or discriminatory actions are addressed proactively, ideally preventing reputational damage and legal implications.

For assistance in reviewing your current processes or to explore how empathiHR can assist your company in mitigating its risks to claims of harassment & discrimination, contact 866-240-6618 or hello@empathihr.com