This the direct evidence standard does not permit. See, e.g., Igwe v. Salvation Army, 790 Fed.Appx. 28, 34 (6th Cir. 2019) (finding that the employer's comments did not relate to the issues that led to the adverse employment action). Therefore, Morella's alleged comment does not provide sufficient direct evidence of racial discrimination.
Race, national origin, color, and religious discrimination are, respectively, separate types of Title VII claims. Wakefield v. Child.'s Hosp., No. C2-06-1034, 2008 WL 3833798, at *6 (S.D. Ohio Aug. 13, 2008); see also Ang v. Procter & Gamble Co., 932 F.2d 540, 546 (6th Cir. 1991), abrogated on other grounds by Igwe v. Salvation Army, 790 Fed.Appx. 28, 36 (6th Cir. 2019). Plaintiffs claim that they were discriminated against based only on their race as African Americans
“[A] reason cannot be a pretext for discrimination unless it is shown both that the reason was false, and that discrimination was the real reason.” Igwe v. Salvation Army, 790 Fed.Appx. 28, 35 (6th Cir. 2019) (quoting Seeger v. Cincinnati Bell Tel. Co., 681 F.3d 274, 285 (6th Cir. 2012)).
Race, national origin, color, and religious discrimination are, respectively, separate types of Title VII claims. Wakefield v. Child.'s Hosp., No. C2-06-1034, 2008 WL 3833798, at *6 (S.D. Ohio Aug. 13, 2008); see also Ang v. Procter & Gamble Co., 932 F.2d 540, 546 (6th Cir. 1991), abrogated on other grounds by Igwe v. Salvation Army, 790 Fed.Appx. 28, 36 (6th Cir. 2019). Plaintiffs must show direct or sufficient indirect evidence specific as to each type of claim in order to survive summary judgment as to claims of that type.
Race, national origin, color, and religious discrimination are, respectively, separate types of Title VII claims. Wakefield v. Child.'s Hosp., No. C2-06-1034, 2008 WL 3833798, at *6 (S.D. Ohio Aug. 13, 2008); see also Ang v. Procter & Gamble Co., 932 F.2d 540, 546 (6th Cir. 1991), abrogated on other grounds by Igwe v. Salvation Army, 790 Fed.Appx. 28, 36 (6th Cir. 2019). Plaintiffs must show direct or sufficient indirect evidence specific as to each type of claim in order to survive summary judgment as to claims of that type.
Comments regarding an individual's accent can constitute direct evidence of national origin discrimination. Igwe v. Salvation Army, No. 19-1082, 2019 WL 5424692, at *4 (6th Cir. Oct. 23, 2019). However, "[i]solated and ambiguous comments are insufficient to support a finding of direct discrimination."