Trump’s “go Back” Remark: In The Workplace, It Might Be Illegal

NEW YORK — President Donald Trump’s suggestion that four activist Democratic congresswomen of color “go back” to countries “from which they came” has excited some in his political base. Yet in many of America’s workplaces and institutions, the same language would be unacceptable and possibly illegal. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces federal laws against workplace bias, explicitly cites comments like “go back to where you came from” as examples of “potentially unlawful conduct.” Similar phrases routinely show up in lawsuits that the EEOC files against employers alleging discrimination, harassment or retaliation based on race or national origin. Apart from its legality in workplaces, Trump’s language has ignited impassioned responses across racial, ethnic and political divides. “It wasn’t Racist!” tweeted Terrence Williams, a black comedian who supports Trump.