The use of the ‘N-word’ is not acceptable in any work environment, according to a ruling by a federal jury in New York. Brandi Johnson sued her former boss, Rob Carmona, for yelling the N-word and other derogatory words at her. Johnson is black and Carmona is black and Puerto Rican.
While working at Carmona’s non-profit, STRIVE, Johnson was in a meeting with Carmona when he chewed her out for being inefficient. He told her and a colleague, “I’m not saying, using the term n–s derogatory, cause sometime it’s good to know when to act like a n–. But y’all act like n—s all the time.”
Carmona went on to tell Johnson and her co-worker, “You and her act like n—s. And n—s let their feelings rule them.”
During the trial, Carmona said that he used the term as a form of endearment and that the word is not used negatively among other blacks. However, Johnson said the she was demeaned by Carmona’s language and the jury took her side. They concluded that the ‘N-word’ should not be used in the workplace and awarded Johnson $280,000.
Carmona founded STRIVE in 1984. The non-profit works to find employment for individuals who have faced incarceration or drug issues. He says the company has found work for 50,000 people since 1984.
