April 25, 2024

Court says company owner called worker racist names

DUBUQUE — The Iowa Supreme Court has upheld an $85,000 discrimination judgment against a company whose owner repeatedly called a black worker “chocolate” and other racial epithets. Justices upheld the Dubuque Human Rights Commission’s order that Simon Seeding pay Jermaine Stapleton $49,500 for lost wages and emotional distress. Friday’s 7-0 ruling also upheld orders that Simon pay $35,500 to Stapleton’s attorneys. Justices say company owner Leo Simon repeatedly called Stapleton names like “chocolate guy.”