Lawsuit alleges racial discrimination

A recent lawsuit filed by a former Tesla employee asserts that he was fired for complaining about racial harassment, and that despite his complaints, Tesla never investigated his concerns.  Specifically, the discrimination lawsuit asserts that employees and supervisors regularly used the “n word” around him and other black co-workers.  After he complained about the harassment and discrimination in writing to human resources, he was terminated for “not having a positive attitude.”  He further asserts that more than 100 African-American Tesla workers were affected by the improper behavior and is seeking permission from a judge to sue on behalf of the group. He’s seeking unspecified general and punitive monetary damages as well as an order for Tesla to implement policies to prevent and correct harassment.

Pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, racial discrimination and harassment is illegal. Further, companies are prohibited from taking retaliatory actions against you for complaining. While the legal standard for what constitutes racial discrimination and harassment is generally more than one slur, sometimes it can be just one n-word uttered by a supervisor.  If you experience discrimination/harassment and you complain to your supervisor, they have a duty to investigate the claims and make an effort to correct the situation.  Many times a company will have a handbook that sets forth the steps for making a complaint, and how the company will address your concerns.

For more information or if you believe you or a loved one has endured employment discrimination of any kind, please contact the experienced Atlanta race discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.