"Direct evidence of discrimination does not require a factfinder to draw any inferences in order to conclude that the challenged employment action was motivated, at least in part, by unlawful discrimination." Igwe v. Salvation Army, 790 Fed.Appx. 28, 34 (6th Cir. 2019).
So evidence that an employer took adverse action against an employee because of his accent "can constitute direct evidence of national origin discrimination" when that evidence shows "an unmistakable intent to discriminate upon national origin." Igwe v. Salvation Army, 790 F. App'x 28, 34 (6th Cir. 2019). See, e.g.