The Issue of Hate Symbols on Construction Sites

The appearance of hate symbols, particularly nooses, on construction sites is a pressing issue in the industry. These types of actions are triggering and call for accountability and change. In light of recent incidents and lawsuits, industry leaders emphasize the responsibility of general contractors, subcontractors, and owners to prevent such hateful symbols.

Data Tracking by the EEOC

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) maintains a category to track complaints that are related to hate symbols on construction sites. This is of course mainly because of their alarming frequency.

Amazon Fulfillment Center Incident

The Amazon fulfillment center construction site witnessed a distressing occurrence in 2021, with the discovery of multiple nooses. Workers have since filed a lawsuit against Amazon, general contractors RC Andersen, and Wayne J. Griffin Electric, alleging a lack of adequate preventative actions.

CEOs’ Perspectives

Peter Davoren’s Stance 

Peter Davoren, CEO of Turner Construction, the nation’s largest contractor, emphasizes collective accountability, stating, “We’re all accountable.” He acknowledges the trust that was placed in contractors by owners. And he also stressed the importance of a zero-tolerance approach to bias-motivated incidents on job sites.

Deryl McKissack’s Perspective

Deryl McKissack, CEO of McKissack & McKissack, asserts that owners and contractors should be held accountable if they are aware of such incidents but fail to act. She clarifies that liability arises when parties take no action despite being informed.

The Amazon Lawsuit

Employees’ Lawsuit

In the ongoing lawsuit, workers pointed to a previous incident involving nooses at a different Amazon jobsite, also involving the same contractors in 2017. They argue that this incident should have alerted the companies to take extra precautions.

Deryl McKissack’s Personal Perspective

Deryl McKissack, whose great-great-grandfather founded a construction business after being emancipated following the Civil War, holds a personal connection to the fight against hate symbols. She pointed out that there is an emotional impact of these symbols. Especially considering the institutional racism that she faced during her career in the construction sector. But despite encountering disrespect and discrimination in her career, Deryl McKissack remains resilient. She said that the drive to succeed just refuses to let hate define her future.