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  2. Do ethnic slurs constitute harassment on the basis of race and/or national origin?

Do ethnic slurs constitute harassment on the basis of race and/or national origin?

Yes. Ethnic slurs may constitute harassment if they create an offensive work environment or interfere with an individual's work performance or equal employment opportunities. Discrimination based on national origin and race is in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Racial or ethnic slurs directed to or in the presence of a person will almost always be considered harassment.

Last Modified: Jan 31, 2014