LIVONIA, Mich. — An appeals court has struck down $25,000 for emotional distress awarded to two black former Costco Wholesale employees who accused their boss of creating a racially hostile workplace in suburban Detroit.
LIVONIA, Mich. — An appeals court has struck down $25,000 for emotional distress awarded to two Black former Costco Wholesale employees who accused their boss of creating a racially hostile workplace in suburban Detroit. Instead, the case is going back to a federal judge in Detroit to determine "nominal damages" for Stephanie Lewis, LaVearn Thomas and a third plaintiff, Darrell Amour. A jury in 2007 ruled in favor of them on their claims of a hostile workplace. The manager was accused of referring to the Livonia store as a "plantation" and saying he wanted more white employees and fewer watermelons for sale. A federal appeals court ruled Thursday there was insufficient evidence to grant money to Lewis and Thomas for emotional distress. Costco is based in Issaquah, Wash.
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