Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 21 November 1996 — Page 11

The Muncie Times, November 21, 1996, Page 11 ► CIVIL RIGHTS JOURNAL

Texaco tapes prove racism thrives in Corporate America

The recent revelations about Texaco Oil Co. employees make the case for the continuing need for affumative action, although that was far from the intent of those involved. It seems that a secretly taped conversation revealed racist language and illegal behavior regarding a federal lawsuit brought by minority Texaco employees. Like the Rodney King videotape, these tapes show racism in America during those unguarded moments that prove for people of color what we have known all along. As California voters went to the polls and voted for Proposition 209, to end affumative action programs in that state, they were faced with the news story which showed Texaco’s upper echelon employees talking about shredding documents which would have implicated their company in the suit brought by some 1,500 minority Texaco employees. These employees charge that Texaco systematically discriminates against its minority employees and that the company fosters an atmosphere of racial hostility. In tapes which they did not realize were being

Bernice Powell Jackson

made, the former treasurer of the company, along with other high-level employees, call African Americans “black jelly beans” and “niggers,” proving that behind many closed doors of corporate America, racism is still acceptable behavior. The suit by the minority employees contends that they were systematically passed over for promotion, in favor of less experienced whites. In the secret tapes, one official says, “This diversity thing, you know, how all the black jelly beans agree.” Another official agrees, adding, “That’s funny. All the black jelly beans seem to be glued to the bottom of the bag.” The suit also charges that Texaco fostered a racially hostile environment, saying that minority employ-

ees were called “uppity” for asking questions and charging that black employees were called “orangutans” and “porch monkeys.” At least one African American Texaco employee, upon hearing the tapes, said, “It sounds like a Klan meeting, and nobody seemed to object to what everybody was saying.” That may be one of the most troubling aspects of this case—that no one else in the room objected to such racist language and to racist and illegal behavior. But it is important to note that Texaco is not alone in allowing such language and attitudes to exist in the workplace. While other corporations might not have gotten caught, there are many minority employees who have had similar experiences in other

companies. Which is exactly the reason why affirmative action is still needed. Despite arguments to the contrary, people of color and women are still underrepresented in corporate board rooms and work rooms. Women and people of color still hit that imaginary glass ceiling in every industry—and still find it difficult to start and operate their own businesses. Unfortunately, too many Americans have fallen for the line that we don’t need affirmative action any longer. Too many have believed that quick fixes have cured 500 years of discrimination and racism. Too many have been willing to listen to the stories of white men who have claimed to have lost contracts or jobs, without listening to the thousands of people of color who have been and continue to be discriminated against in the workplace. Maybe these Texaco tapes will be a wake-up call for us all. Because those of us in states other than California can expect that attacks on affirmative action will soon be playing in our own communities.

DOLLISON continued from page 1

homework and reading assignments. It is open to students Monday through Thursday afternoons. Students also go on field trips and receive other cultural enrichment. Retired Democratic Assemblyman Hurley Goodall and his successor, outgoing Republican Assemblyman James VanLeer presented the award to a teary-eyed Dollison, during a well-attended open house

program Sunday at the MOMs building. “I am really pleased and surprised at this honor. I don’t think I deserve it. There are so many people who deserve this because they have worked so hard to make this program succeed. Some volunteer as tutors. Others just phone or stop by to help,” said Dollison. “They stop by because they see this as their building, as a community building. “I also have to thank the staff and the board for thenhelp in making MOMs what

it is today.” In addition to the Sagamore Award, a portrait of Dollison was also unveiled. It will be prominently displayed at the center. Dollison, who has more than 28 years of teaching experience in the Muncie school system, returned to the classroom in August after a 2-year leave of absence. During that time she was MOMs executive director. She is now a reading teacher at Garfield Elementary School.

Mary Dollison with family and friends receives Sagamore of the Wabash Award.