MEMPHIS, June 3 (UPI) -- Employees at a cotton gin in Memphis have filed a federal discrimination complaint against their supervisor after he was caught on tape making racist comments and trying to enforce segregation.
Antonio Harris and Marrio Mangrum allege a supervisor still employed by the Atkinson Cotton Warehouse called them "monkeys" and refused to let non-white employees use the microwave or water fountain. After what he described as months of stomaching a climate of casual racism, Harris used his phone to record an attempt to use the drinking fountain.
"I need to put a sign here that says 'white people only,'" says the unidentified supervisor when Harris tried to get a drink of water. "As a white man, we don't even let Larry use it," the supervisor continued. Employees identified "Larry" as a black man who worked at the warehouse for over a decade.
The supervisor goes on to defend his bigotry, saying, "Back then, nobody thought anything about it. Now everybody is made to where to think it's bad."
Harris later asks what would happen if he attempted drink from a fountain.
"Put your sign on the wall then, because I am feeling to drink it," Harris says. "What would they do when they catch me drinking your water?"
"That's when we hang you."
Local CBS affiliate WREG contacted the warehouse and was told the supervisor in question still works there but is currently on vacation.
Harris and Mangrum's discrimination charge is being reviewed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
