Use of N-Word Creates a Hostile Work Environment

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit against a barbecue restaurant alleging that it subjected an African-American employee to a racially hostile work environment, which resulted in the employee’s constructive discharge.  The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that Shana Knox worked in the carryout area of the restaurant for about ten months.  While working, a white co-worker made numerous offensive, inappropriate, and racist comments to Knox.  Knox complained to management, but the comments and harassment did not stop.  The lawsuit further alleges that Knox was constructively discharged after the white co-worker threw barbecue sauce at Knox and called her the N-word.  Such alleged conduct is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which protects employees from a racially hostile work environment.  See EEOC v. Joe's Old Fashioned Bar-B-Que, Inc., No. 5:18-cv-000180 (W.D.N.C.).