Tesla sued by EEOC and accused of tolerating racism

Driving the news: The EEOC said Thursday in a statement that Tesla since at least 2015 tolerated numerous incidents of racism:

• The lawsuit focused on Black employees at Tesla's Fremont, California manufacturing facilities "have routinely endured racial abuse, pervasive stereotyping, and hostility," according to the EEOC.

Among the suit's allegations were open use of slurs in crowded workplace areas, as well as "graffiti, including variations of the N-word, swastikas, threats, and nooses, on desks and other equipment, in bathroom stalls, within elevators, and even on new vehicles rolling off the production line."

Zoom in: The agency said its investigation determined that people who came forward objecting to racial hostility faced retaliation.

• Examples included "terminations, changes in job duties, transfers, and other adverse employment actions."

The other side: Tesla did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

What's next: After failing to reach a pre-litigation settlement, the EEOC is seeking compensatory and punitive damages as well as back pay — plus injunctive relief ordering Tesla to reform its employment practices.