Bufford v. CENTURYLINK

**What This Case Was About** Tiara Bufford sued her potential employer, Embarq Management Corporation (part of CenturyLink), claiming they refused to hire her because of her race. She filed discrimination claims under federal civil rights laws and North Carolina state law, arguing the company's hiring decision was based on racial bias rather than her qualifications. **What the Court Decided** The court had mixed results on Bufford's lawsuit. The judge allowed her main discrimination claims to move forward under Title VII (the federal workplace discrimination law) and Section 1981 (a federal civil rights law). However, the court dismissed her claim under North Carolina state discrimination law, ruling it had no merit and could not be refiled. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling shows that workers who believe they faced hiring discrimination because of race have multiple legal options. Even if one type of claim gets thrown out, federal civil rights laws may still provide protection. Workers should know that discrimination can happen during the hiring process, not just after being hired. If you suspect you were passed over for a job due to your race, federal laws may give you grounds to challenge that decision in court.