Case Study 1
1. Identify and describe the specific issues Maalick encountered in the workplace. Do the
actions of other workers at Treton represent discrimination and harassment? What
elements of law are important for Treton to consider?
Maalick encountered several issues which could easily have been described in a
definition if a hostile work environment. Maalick first faced an issue asking for time off, the
validity of his religious beliefs were questioned by his supervisor. Then the supervisor
propitiated an environment where the other employees began to slander Maalick’s religious
choices by comparing his faith to Voodoo, witchcraft, and magic. Maalick was then insulted for
changing his name and his personal office space was invaded. The office invasion is the first
report of potentially racist insults to Maalick, with the picture of Africa and Jenkin’s comments
on African roots. The notes and references to “Prayers for Black Folk” continued to cross racial
