PAR Electrical Contractors, Inc. v. Bevelle

In this appeal, we are asked to examine a decision of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission which held that an employer permitted a racially hostile work environment to exist, and that the employer failed to take swift and decisive action to eliminate that environment.

After careful consideration of the record developed before the Commission, we find that the Commission’s decision was supported by substantial evidence and should be affirmed.

I

Facts and Background

Appellee Richard Wayne Bevelle is African-American. He worked for the appellant, PAR Electrical Contractors, Inc. (“PAR”), helping…