THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 12, 1996 TAG: 9611120006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 66 lines
The timing couldn't have been more ironic. As California voters went to the polls to abolish state and local affirmative-action programs on the theory that they were no longer needed, the public was treated to an ugly behind-the-scenes peek at corporate bigotry in the inner sanctum of oil giant Texaco. The irony has been lost on few people.
Many in America claim that racial prejudice is a thing of the past. They argue that affirmative action today constitutes reverse discrimination. Another look at some programs may well be justified. But those who insist that the American playing field is truly level and equal opportunity abounds are too optimisitic.
The civil-rights struggle of 30 years ago swept away legally sanctioned segregation and made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race in an array of settings. But prejudiced attitudes remain and can express themselves in workplace behavior.
If the recent revelations about the antics and attitudes of top executives at Texaco are any indication, corporate America has a long way to go to level the field. The shocking tapes also show that minorities and women who complain of prejudice in the workplace may often be perceptive rather than paranoid.
Not only were Texaco executives caught on tape mocking their African-American co-workers, they also discussed shredding documents and falsifying records regarding the hiring and promotions of blacks and women. The mockery is an example of shockingly bad manners that should be deplored. But the other charges - if proved - constitute criminal acts that should be punished.
Without prejudging the entire matter - and despite assurances by Texaco chairman Peter Bijur that this was merely an aberration and not reflective of official Texaco policy - it appears that there is a pattern of discrimination in place at the oil company.
Two of the culprits have been suspended - with pay. Two others have seen their retirement benefits terminated. But it remains to be seen whether Texaco will make real and lasting changes in its corporate culture that will finally end discrimination against its minority workers.
These tapes were presented as part of legal evidence in a race-discrimination lawsuit the company is fighting. The case was filed in 1994 on behalf of 1,500 black Texaco workers.
Before other states rush to emulate California's Proposition 209 by curtailing or eliminating affirmative-action programs, they should ponder the Texaco case. It suggests that it's far too soon to declare racial discrimination a thing of the past and the need for remedies over.
Does anyone truly believe that Texaco is the only corporate giant with bigots in the boardroom?
Laws against racial discrimination would be unnecessary if everyone did what was right. Unfortunately, as the case of the Texaco tapes demonstrates, there's still a need to force compliance on those who have no innate sense of fair play. The law can't change hearts and minds, but it can try to make people behave as if their hearts and minds had been changed. It can also make violators pay a price for noncompliance.
Texaco has already paid a huge price. After the tapes were revealed, the company's stock lost close to $1 billion in value. The plaintiffs in the trial would appear to have a bolstered case. Civil-rights leaders are considering a boycott of Texaco. Even without a formal boycott, how many minority motorists or those who deplore such shenanigans are likely to trust their car to the man who wears the star after this episode?
Maybe that's the most hopeful aspect to the matter. Corporations are profit-driven. If the Texaco case persuades corporate America that prejudice doesn't pay, it could wind up having a positive impact. by CNB