Club to compensate for discrimination against Cambodians

CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — A Portuguese club in Rhode Island has offered to make restitution to people of Cambodian ancestry after an investigation shows they were subjected to discrimination outside their club.

A joint investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Rhode Island Commission for Human Right shows the Cranston Portuguese Club carried out a policy requiring a police detail at events held by people of Cambodian ancestry.

The Providence Journal reports the club asked firsttime patrons if they were of Cambodian ancestry, arranged for police detail and then required the people to reimburse them for the detail.

Federal prosecutors say the practice violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and state law.

The club says it will establish a fund to compensate people who were hurt by the policy dating back to 2005.