A group of Black employees has filed a lawsuit against an IHOP franchise located in Florida, alleging that they were subjected to a pattern of severe racial harassment by a manager. According to the legal filing, the manager allegedly created a hostile work environment through the use of offensive and discriminatory language.

Specific allegations in the lawsuit include claims that the manager referred to herself as the employees' “master” and made derogatory comments regarding the Juneteenth holiday. Furthermore, the plaintiffs allege that the manager explicitly stated, “If it's not white, then it's not right,” in their presence. The lawsuit seeks to address these claims of systemic racism within the workplace, highlighting a pattern of behavior that the employees argue created an intolerable professional environment.

As this is an ongoing legal matter, the specific details regarding the defense's position or the franchise owner's response have not yet been fully detailed in public reports. The allegations center on the conduct of a single manager, though the lawsuit aims to hold the establishment accountable for the environment permitted under their management. The case highlights broader concerns regarding workplace discrimination and the responsibilities of franchise operators to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all staff members.