Chenguang Lee, a female of Chinese national origin, was employed as a sales representative at Monarch Recyclers International. Her supervisor, the Vice President for Sales, Jim Oldham, persistently referred to her as "Charlene" instead of "Chenguang." Although she objected and asked to be called by her proper name, Oldham continued to call her "Charlene" for over a year. He told Chenguang that an American name would increase her chances for success and would be more acceptable to Monarch's clientele. He referred to her as "Charlene" over the telephone, during marketing meetings and in emails. Chenguang brings a complaint under Title VII and §1981.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Under the Title VII and §1981, an employer cannot discriminate against an employee based on their ethnic characteristics, which can include their name. In this case, Chenguang's supervisor's persistent use of "Charlene" instead of her proper name could be viewed as discrimination based on her national origin. Therefore, Monarch would be liable to Chenguang for this discrimination.

Chenguang Lee, a Female of Chinese National Origin, Was Employed