ResourceOne Settles for $47,500 in EEOC Racial Harassment Lawsuit

Background:

ResourceOne, a commercial printing and direct marketing company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has agreed to pay $47,500 to settle a racial harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The suit stems from an incident in August 2022, when an employee’s supervisor repeatedly mocked and harassed her after learning about her African heritage through an at-home DNA test. The behavior escalated into racial slurs and intolerable harassment, ultimately forcing the employee to resign.

Settlement Details:

The EEOC filed the suit (EEOC v. Worldwide Printing and Distribution d/b/a ResourceOne, Civil Action No. 23-cv-00419) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma after failed attempts at a pre-litigation settlement. As part of the consent decree, ResourceOne will pay $47,500 in damages to the former employee. In addition to the financial settlement, the company has agreed to adopt policies that prevent harassment of racial and national origin. The decree also mandates training for employees to educate them on their rights under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Key Takeaways:

1. Harassment Incident: After revealing her African heritage from Cameroon and the Congo, a ResourceOne employee faced severe harassment from her supervisor, who referred to her as "ape" and "Congo." The harassment continued despite her protests.

2. Failure to Intervene: When the employee complained to higher management, her concerns were dismissed, and the behavior persisted.

3. Violation of Federal Law: ResourceOne’s conduct violated GINA and Title VII, which protect individuals from workplace discrimination based on genetic information, race, and national origin.

4. Legal Action and Settlement: After the EEOC filed suit, ResourceOne agreed to settle for $47,500. The company must also implement training programs and improve policies to prevent future harassment.

Conclusion:

This settlement underscores the legal protections in place to prevent workplace harassment based on race, genetic information, and national origin. The steps taken by ResourceOne, including financial compensation and new anti-harassment policies, are aimed at fostering a safer and more respectful work environment. This case serves as a reminder to employers about their duty to maintain workplaces free from discrimination and the severe legal consequences of failing to address such issues.