Procter & Gamble officials investigating claims of nooses

Seven black Procter & Gamble employees have filed discrimination complaints with the Missouri Human Rights Commission, claiming fellow associates at the plant have placed nooses inside the facility three times since 2006.

The Procter & Gamble management team contends a noose was found only once on a black employee's locker in January.

Plant manager Regina Gray said plant officials determined the first incident of a noose claim in 2006 was a rope that temporarily held together pipes inside the building. Gray said a third incident involving tied twine has been investigated by the company, but its intent has been difficult to determine.

Dr. Byron Glenn, a physician at Cape Urgent Care and Family Practice in Cape Girardeau, treated three black Procter & Gamble employees on separate occasions. The first patient he treated was in 2006, the second Jan. 21 and the third July 3 and 4.

He said all three patients exhibited signs of traumatic stress disorder.

"They are experiencing fear, anger, disgust, distrust and great anxiety," Glenn said.

Procter & Gamble officials promise they are taking proper steps to ensure employees' safety. Gray said the plant's management team strives to create a diverse atmosphere in the facility. She said the plant has multiple programs to support employees such as counselors for mental and physical health.

Gray said proper action, which could including firing, will be taken once the responsible person is found.

"We aggressively investigate and take the appropriate action against anyone who participates in these kinds of activities," Gray said. "We strive to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees can thrive and succeed."

A division of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Missouri Human Rights Commission is a neutral fact-finding agency during investigations. The commission investigates each claim to determine if enough evidence exists for a claim of discrimination.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137

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