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California sues Tesla over alleged Fremont racism violations

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

California Sues Tesla

California Civil Rights Department sued Tesla Inc. over alleged racism at its Fremont factory.
The February 2022 suit alleges Housing Act violations, segregation, and reduced pay and promotions for Black workers.
Judge Peter Borkon presides over a bench trial expected to run through the end of October.
Tesla denies any wrongdoing and calls the lawsuit misguided.
The state seeks damages and relief, recalling a $137 million verdict.

Summary

CRD Demands Reform

Tesla’s market value hit $1.4 trillion in September 2026, $100 billion above 2022.
California Civil Rights Department prosecutes discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Tesla’s 2022 cross-claim alleged the CRD used “underground regulations,” a claim a 2023 court found meritless.
A 2025 ruling stripped status from 6,000+ Black workers, which a court allowed as plaintiff suits.
The CRD seeks injunctive relief to overhaul Tesla’s employment practices, invoking California’s uncapped damages provision.

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California Sues Tesla

California Civil Rights Department sued Tesla Inc. over alleged racism at its Fremont factory.
The February 2022 suit alleges Housing Act violations, segregation, and reduced pay and promotions for Black workers.
Judge Peter Borkon presides over a bench trial expected to run through the end of October.
Tesla denies any wrongdoing and calls the lawsuit misguided.
The state seeks damages and relief, recalling a $137 million verdict.

1 / 2