In July 2009, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the EEOC, ordered a Texas janitorial company to pay $46,000 to a former employee. The employee, Melvin Kennebrew, was a victim of racial discrimination of employment. His case was brought to trial with the help of the EEOC. During the trial, the EEOC presented evidence indicating racial discrimination by Kennebrew's supervisor, including the use of derogatory and racist speech and racial stereotyping. The supervisor later fired Kennebrew from his position with the company. The actions of Kennebrew's supervisor directly violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964.