The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, accusing the electric-vehicle giant of racially discriminating against its Black employees and creating a hostile work environment based on race. The lawsuit centers on incidents that have allegedly occurred at Tesla’s manufacturing facilities in Fremont, California since May 2015. The EEOC is seeking a jury trial and compensation for the affected individuals.
The lawsuit outlines several instances of a hostile work environment, including the frequent use of racial slurs, particularly the N-word, and the presence of racial stereotypes throughout the Fremont factory. Black employees were reportedly subjected to both individual and collective references using the N-word. The lawsuit describes how non-Black workers would casually address Black employees with comments like, “Hey, [expletive], can you hand me that…?”
The lawsuit further alleges that Black employees were subject to other racial slurs and insults, such as being referred to as “Black b—-,” “Black a– b—-,” “boy,” and “monkey.” Non-Black employees also reportedly mocked Black employees by making “monkey noises.” The factory was plagued with racist graffiti, including swastikas, threats, and nooses, found on desks, in elevators, on equipment, and in bathrooms.
According to the lawsuit, the racial misconduct was pervasive and occurred across all shifts, departments, and positions within the company, including the Production Associate role.
In addition to the allegations of racial harassment, the lawsuit claims that Tesla retaliated against Black employees who reported such incidents. Retaliation included changes in schedules, assigning less desirable tasks, unjustified disciplinary actions, or termination. The lawsuit also criticizes Tesla for its alleged failure to take appropriate action upon learning about the discrimination.
The Hill has reached out to Tesla for comment.
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