Four years after filing, a California agency has secured the right to proceed with its lawsuit against Tesla for alleged racial discrimination. The Alameda County Superior Court has dismissed Tesla’s attempt to have the case thrown out, opening the door for a trial set for July 20th this year.

The lawsuit, filed by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), accuses Tesla of widespread discrimination, particularly at its Fremont factory. CRD director Kevin Kish stated: “Black workers are paid less for their work. They are subjected to racist slurs. They face threats of being fired for speaking out.” The allegations include the frequent use of racial slurs and a reference by employees, supervisors, and management to the Fremont factory as a “plantation,” with Black workers called “slaves.”

This case highlights persistent issues in corporate America despite advances. The judge partially allowed Tesla’s request to block claims under the statute of limitations but only for incidents before June 2018, meaning much recent evidence remains admissible.

The CRD initially sued Tesla in March 2022 after a three-year investigation into alleged harassment and discrimination against Black employees. The ongoing trial could set an important precedent for workplace equality.