Racist and Dangerous: Nooses in Workplace Raise Safety Concerns

After Marisa Powell found what she alleges was a noose fashioned out of wires hanging above her desk, she decided it was time to sue her employer.

The Mount Bethel, Pa., resident alleges harassment, assault, and a hostile work environment, among other claims in her lawsuit against Verizon Communications Inc. in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey earlier this month.

A Verizon spokesman wouldn’t address Powell’s claims specifically because of ongoing litigation, but said, “Verizon does not tolerate harassment or discrimination.”

“When discrimination or harassment comes to our attention, we investigate and take appropriate action,” David Weissmann ...