James, a light-complexioned African-American, works as a waiter. His manager, a brown-complexioned African-American, frequently makes offensive comments and jokes about James’ skin color. As a result, James can’t sleep and dreads going to work. He asks the supervisor to stop, but the abuse only intensifies.
This hypothetical story of color-on-color harassment is one of more than two-dozen scenarios described in the EEOC’s recently released “Compliance Manual Section on Race and Color Discrimination.” Although the guidelines break no new legal ground, they highlight contemporary examples of discrimination that may escape the notice of even a vigilant employer. They also provide clues to EEOC priorities and best-practices.
