Sarcasm=racism?

In a recent race discrimination case, sarcastic comments made by the judge became an issue. Managers who make similar remarks could be found to have shown discriminatory intent.

At one point, the trial judge said, "I'm [of] German descent. I suppose I'm a minority too, huh?" Later he said about the Filipino employee bringing suit, "I don't know who isn't a minority anymore, but I would guess he would fall in the class of a minority."

In reviewing the trial judge's decision, the Court of Appeals said, "These remarks created an appearance of insensitivity to the real burdens posed by discriminatory treatment toward certain ethnic groups in this society, and cannot be ignored."

Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.