At trial, Tesla's lawyer argued the N-word can express respect or endearment in some Black communities. The Civil Rights Department alleges harassment and discrimination at Tesla's Fremont factory; Judge Borkon will decide without a jury.
The February 2022 lawsuit alleges Black employees faced daily bullying by supervisors, pay disparities and unequal access to promotions; it also claims racial segregation and higher termination rates for Black workers than white workers. The department says swastikas and racist graffiti repeatedly appeared in common areas. Worker complaints cited in the report accuse managers of using the N-word and calling employees “slaves”; the complaint also cites about one HR employee for every 604 to 740 workers.
In his Sept. 21 opening statement, Tesla attorney Tyree P. Jones Jr. cited Kanye West and Jay-Z lyrics, while saying the trial was not about the N-word. He said Tesla has “don't do stupid stuff” policies and takes disciplinary action over misconduct, and cited 20,000 jobs the company brought to Fremont. Proceedings are scheduled to continue through October 30.
