I don't understand why people have such a problem with the 7th circuit's ruling in the n-word case. Have people bothered to read the details? Sorry, but I have to agree that one single utterance in this case (the supervisor involved was also black, fwiw) did not create a "hostile work environment", particularly when said employee was himself a hazard to those he worked with and was already weeks into his dismissal proceedings.

Details: Smith proved to be a less-than-stellar performer as evidence by the following issues during his probationary period:

– He had a hard time following basis instructions and often challenged instructions given to him;

– He almost hit concrete pillar dividing the street into two separate lanes;

– He drove away from a gas pump with the nozzle still inserted in the truck;

– He almost sideswiped a state trooper vehicle; and

– He neglected to put his tow truck in neutral and pull the brake, causing the truck to roll and almost pin a supervisor against another vehicle.

Smith’s job performance led to a series of negative evaluations, including a note from his supervisor, Lloyd Colbert (another African American), that if Smith is allowed to keep working, “Someone else will pay the ultimate price.”

taken from here: https://www.felhaber.com/unlike-other-courts-seventh-circuit-say-single-use-of-n-word-is-not-harassment/