Federal jury rules the use of the N-word is never acceptable in the workplace

A federal jury in New York ruled on Tuesday that the use of the N-word is never acceptable in the workplace, even between black coworkers or when used in friendly terms.

According to ABC News, the ruling comes from a lawsuit filed by Brandi Johnson, a black woman who was awarded $250,000 last week as part of compensatory damages after they determined she was subject to harassment after she endured a rant filled with racial slurs and statements from her boss, STRIVE East Harlem founder Rob Carmona, who identifies as black and Hispanic.

Recalling the tirade at the trial, Johnson stated, "I was offended. I was hurt. I felt degraded. I felt disrespected. I was embarrassed," The Associated Press reports. Attorney Marjorie M. Sharpe added that the n-word is “the most offensive word in the English language,” and that the double standard that the slur is not necessarily offensive when used among blacks has persisted for far too long.

In addition to the initial $250,000 compensation awarded Johnson, Carmona will pay $25,000 to her in punitive damages, as well as $5,000 to STRIVE.