A former Southwest Airlines employee is suing the company in federal court for racial discrimination. Jamel Parker, an African American, claims that Southwest had a segregated “whites only” break room, dubbed the “WB,” at Houston’s Hobby Airport up until 2016 or 2017, when the area was renovated and the room removed. In addition, he asserts that a noose made of bungee cords hung at a Southwest airport gate for years.

Hostile Work Environment

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 explicitly forbids discrimination in the workplace, especially when it comes to creating a hostile work environment, fringe benefits, and firing. Parker claims that a bungee cord noose at Hobby Airport’s Gate 45 hung in place for the four years that he worked for Southwest.

Racially Motivated Termination

In addition, Parker claims he was fired in violation of Title VII. Parker had been hired by AirTran in 2008, and came to work for Southwest through a corporate merger in 2013. Parker’s employment was terminated in 2017 for failing to report that he caught his “pushback” vehicle on a power cord and damaged the vehicle. He claims he didn’t report it because he didn’t think there was any damage done, and therefore no need.

Though all employers should be Equal Opportunity Employers, violations can slip through the cracks, even at America’s finest companies. Regardless of which employee is the culprit, owners are ultimately liable. If you have any questions about guidelines, routines, or practices at your company, contact a local employment lawyer today. A well-trained legal advisor can review your business issues and offer you sound advice based on recent laws and trends.

Related Resources:

  • Find a Employment Lawyer Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
  • Google Sued for ‘Systemic Discrimination’ Against Female Employees (FindLaw Law and Daily Life)
  • Southwest Airlines Sued Over ‘Customers of Size’ Policy (FindLaw Injured)

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