By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. Jan 20, 2026)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Folsom Lake Hyundai has agreed to update its internal policies and train staff on California civil rights protections following a settlement with the California Civil Rights Department over allegations of discrimination against a Native American customer with ties to El Dorado County.
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State officials said the settlement stems from a 2024 complaint filed by a tribal member of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, who alleged they were denied full and equal services at the dealership based on their Native American ancestry. The complaint claimed a former employee left a voicemail containing a derogatory remark and that dealership management failed to respond after being notified.
According to the complaint, the former employee, believing a voicemail recording had ended, allegedly said the customer could pay the dealership “in skins and feathers.” The customer reported raising concerns with multiple members of management but said no corrective action was taken, effectively denying access to the dealership’s services.
“Whether it’s at a local business or an apartment complex, people can experience hate and discrimination in nearly every part of their lives,” California Civil Rights Department Director Kevin Kish said in a statement announcing the settlement. “We also know that Native American communities in particular experience elevated rates of hate and discrimination.”
Under the agreement, Folsom Lake Hyundai and the former employee — without admitting liability — will take separate corrective actions. These include updating policies for handling discrimination or harassment complaints, designating a clear point of contact for such complaints, and adopting an employee code of conduct that explicitly requires respectful language and equal treatment of all customers.
All employees who interact with the public, including the former employee, will be required to complete training on preventing harassment and discrimination. In addition, the settlement requires a visit to the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Museum as part of an effort to increase awareness and understanding of Native American history and experiences.
The case was investigated under California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, which prohibits businesses open to the public from discriminating based on protected characteristics, including ancestry and race. The law applies broadly to retail businesses, service providers and other public-facing establishments.
State officials said the settlement was reached after mediation, a voluntary process offered following an initial investigation by the department. Anyone who believes their rights under the Unruh Civil Rights Act have been violated may file a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department.
