Six Flags settles bias suit for $5.6 million

Jet, June 7, 2004

Six Flags Inc., which operates 30 amusement parks in the United States, agreed to pay $5.6 million to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing security guards at one of its parks of improperly searching visitors and excluding them solely on their appearance.

The discrimination suit was filed against the Oklahoma City-based company in 2001 after park visitors claimed security guards at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA, improperly searched them and engaged in racial profiling.

The amusement park established a screening policy after a 1985 knife fight at the park involving three street gangs left six people injured. However, the policy has been criticized by civil rights groups and some customers who said it unfairly targets minorities.

While agreeing to set up a $5.6 million settlement fired, the company did not admit wrongdoing, spokeswoman Debbie Nauser said.

However, Six Flags agreed to have employees undergo diversity training and to allow plaintiffs' attorneys to review records on visitors turned away from the park for the next four years.

Mike Arias, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, said many of those treated unfairly were Black, Hispanic or Asian. He said others viewed with suspicion looked like they might be a member of a gang, including people with tattoos.

More than 150 people were part of the class-action lawsuit.