Exxon Mobil Corp was sued for racial discrimination by a US federal agency. On Thursday, an oil major was indicted after a noose was found at one of its facilities in 2020, alleging it failed to protect workers from harassment.
In a statement, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) said a black employee at an Exxon chemical plant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, found a hangman’s noose at work in January 2020.
The EEOC noted that, at the time of this report, Exxon was already aware of three other such nooses on display at the complex and a nearby refinery, with a fifth expected in late 2020. It said it was reported.
According to the EEOC, Exxon investigated some, but not all, of these incidents and “failed to take reasonably calculated steps to end the harassment.”
The federal agency claimed that Exxon’s actions and inaction regarding the noose incident “created a racially hostile work environment.”
Exxon said it disagrees with the EEOC’s findings and allegations.
In a statement, Exxon said, “We have encouraged employees to report such allegations and have investigated them thoroughly. Symbolism of hate is unacceptable, offensive and violates our corporate policy.” said.
Reported by Mrinmay Dey, Bengaluru.Edited by Christopher Cushing
