Black Factory Workers Are Suing A Georgia Cereal Plant Over Decades of Racial Discrimination

One cereal factory in Georgia is under fire after a group of employees filed a lawsuit detailing extensive instances of racial discrimination, allegedly going back decades.

Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jirapong Manustrong

A General Mills factory in Georgia is now facing a racial discrimination lawsuit after eight Black employees filed suit against the White managers of the factory.

A Toxic Workplace

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mladen Mitrinovic

The group of employees has accused General Mills management of fostering a racist workplace that has wrongfully demoted workers on a racial basis and used racial slurs against Black employees. 

Filed on June 2

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Studio Romantic

The class-action suit was filed in the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta on June 2 by the eight individuals and on behalf of all past and present employees affected by the allegations.

Multiple Federal and State Violations

Image Credit: Shutterstock / TheCorgi

It specifically claims that General Mills has violated the Civil Rights Act of 1866, along with state and federal racketeering laws under the RICO Act.

Serial Cereal Producer

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Shift Drive

The plant is one of two facilities located in Covington, Georgia, and owned by General Mills, a consumer foods manufacturer that produces cereals for iconic brands like Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, and more. 

East and West Plant

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Amorn Suriyan

Both factories, known as East Plant and West Plant, have been in operation since the late 1980s and early 90s. 

Two Managers Named

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

The plaintiffs, who were all employed by the factory at some point in the last five years, have taken aim at two managers in particular named Jack Gilliam and Greg Cantrell who operated East Plant.

20 Pages of Examples

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov

The legal filing for the case contains 20 pages of recorded instances which the plaintiffs and their attorney Doug Dean have offered as evidence that the managers  “embraced a racially hostile work environment perpetuated by White supremacists who deny Black employees” the right to advance in their careers at the factory.

Many Serious Claims

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

It also claimed that both managers continually favored White employees over Black ones, levied unjustified degrees of disciplinary action against Black employees compared to White ones, and even used the word “colored,” to refer to Black employees, which the suit described as a racist anti-Black term.

Racial Slurs Unpunished

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

Back in the 1990s, White employees were also allegedly able to use the N-word and other racial slurs against their co-workers with no fear of repercussions.

Personal Statements

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kzenon

Keith McClinton, one of the eight plaintiffs, found the letters “KKK”, a reference to the Ku Klux Klan, written on his lunchbox in 2006, and was accused of writing the words himself.

A Noose on the Desk

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PeopleImages.com – Yuri A

Another unidentified plaintiff claimed that a noose was left on their desk while they were working at the factory in 1993. The noose was a reference to the historical phenomenon of “lynching.”

The ‘Good Ole Boys’

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alfa Photostudio

These behaviors were allegedly encoded in the management of the plants over decades, as the two managers “formed an organization of White employees in management and human resources called the ‘Good Ole Boys.’”

Keeping Employees “in Their Place”

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wasan Tita

The lawsuit made absolutely no qualms about the severity of their claims, adding “The ‘Good Ole Boys’ believe that history and symbols that have been co-opted or misappropriated by the Ku Klux Klan and other White supremacist hate groups are useful to keep Black people ‘in their place.”

Underhanded Tactics

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

It claimed the managers used tactics to discourage Black employees from “speaking or taking action against the disparate treatment of Black employees at the Covington facility.”

Seeking Damages

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Premreuthai

Plaintiffs are now seeking compensatory and punitive damages for all previous Black employees at the Covington plant, on the basis of these  “egregious incidents of racism.”

Calling for Management Dismissal

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

They are also seeking the immediate dismissal of the “racist decision-makers” responsible for the harmful policies and actions listed in the lawsuit. 

Long-Standing Commitment to DEI

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Salivanchuk Semen

General Mills has responded to the lawsuit, adding that while it goes against policy to comment on pending litigation, the company does have “a long-standing and ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and we do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”

Discrimination is Prohibited

Image Credit: Shutterstock / A Stock Studio

The Minneapolis-based company claims, via its official website, that discrimination of any kind is prohibited in their workplaces.

Reflection of the World?

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Song_about_summer

The website also described the company as being “dedicated to becoming a reflection of the world we seek where racial equity, diversity, and inclusion nourish us all.”

Remote No More: 19 Companies Returning to the Office

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

As the pandemic wanes, companies are recalling remote workers back to the office, sparking debates on fairness, costs, and convenience. However, there are also notable productivity, coworking, and mental health benefits to consider. Feeling the effects of these changes? Remote No More: 19 Companies Returning to the Office

8 Costco Must Buys and 8 to Leave Behind

Image Credit: Pexels / Gustavo Fring

Ever wandered Costco’s aisles, questioning if that giant jar of pickles is a real bargain? Or debated buying tires where you get your rotisserie chicken? Welcome to the definitive guide to Costco shopping—a journey to save money, prevent regrets, and offer quirky insights into bulk buying. 8 Costco Must Buys and 8 to Leave Behind

23 Reasons Texas Is the Next Big Thing

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Texas is becoming a beacon of opportunity, blending cultural heritage with economic growth. From its landscapes to its industries, the Lone Star State offers a dynamic lifestyle. Here are 23 reasons why Texas stands out, attracting entrepreneurs, artists, tech professionals, and families seeking new beginnings. 23 Reasons Texas Is the Next Big Thing

15 Top Sites to Sell Your Unwanted Goods Besides Craigslist

Image Credit: Shutterstock / GaudiLab

Selling your unwanted items can declutter your space and boost your income. While Craigslist is popular, there are many alternatives with unique features and wider audiences. Explore these 15 Craigslist alternatives for selling everything from furniture to electronics, finding the perfect platform to turn clutter into cash. 15 Top Sites to Sell Your Unwanted Goods Besides Craigslist

Work from Anywhere: 19 Companies Still Supporting Remote Work

Image Credit: Shutterstock / insta_photos

Tired of commuting and craving work flexibility? You’re not alone. Many companies now offer remote work, benefiting both employees and employers. Ever wondered how this shift could enhance your work-life balance? Work from Anywhere: 19 Companies Still Supporting Remote Work

The postBlack Factory Workers Are Suing A Georgia Cereal Plant Over Decades of Racial Discrimination first appeared on Liberty & Wealth.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / JHVEPhoto.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.

+ posts

Leave a Comment