Slur: “Monkey”

October 15, 2024 by mjpospis

“Monkey” Comment Gives Rise to Actionable Race-Based Hostile Work Environment Claim, Court Holds

In Holmes v. Lloyd J. Austin, III, Civil Action No. 23-2415 (LLA), 2024 WL 4345829 (D.D.C. Sept. 30, 2024), the court, inter alia, denied defendant’s motion to dismiss plaintiff’s race-based hostile work environment claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. From the decision: Ms. Holmes alleges that Major Sinclair perpetuated a…

Race-Based Hostile Work Environment Claim Survives Summary Judgment

In Battle v. Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, 2023 WL 4868458 (M.D.N.C. July 31, 2023), the court, inter alia, denied defendant’s motion for summary judgment on plaintiff’s race-based hostile work environment claim. Comprising plaintiff’s claim were several alleged racially derogatory comments, including that “all dark-skin blacks stink”, and comparing Michelle Obama to a “monkey.”…