A company that makes and distributes Mexican-style food items settled a discrimination lawsuit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over refusing to hire applicants who were not Hispanic.

The lawsuit said Marquez Brothers International and its affiliates preferred Hispanic job applicants over all other races in unskilled production and warehouses positions. Among other things, it said the companies discouraged non-Hispanic applicants by imposing a language requirement not required for the jobs.

Marquez Brothers makes El Mexicano-brand dairy and food products and has facilities in 9 states, including Arizona.

"One of the EEOC's six national priorities is eliminating barriers in recruitment and hiring, and this resolution should send a strong message to employers that the EEOC is dedicated to its mission,” Melissa Barrios, director of the EEOC’s Fresno local office said in a statement.

As part of the settlement, the companies will pay $2 million, hire an external monitor, ensure transparency and diversification in hiring goals and implement other measures. According to the EEOC, the court will maintain jurisdiction of the case during the decree’s three-year term.

People who applied and were not hired by Marquez Brothers or felt discouraged from applying may be eligible for monetary relief from the settlement and call the EEOC at 855.725.4456 for more information.