Again, what I find offensive or not is immaterial. To prove discrimination, it must be shown that discrimination exists. To make it equal the exact opposite would have to happen.
I do not believe hearsay evidence that someone black said the word ****** is equal.
The person fired never used the word EXCEPT in ASKING if it would be acceptable in his story. He neither used the word derogatorily or directed AT anyone. He was fired simply for ASKING if the word could or could not be used.
Did you read the full article? He was advocating using it on the air, in order to add "veracity" to the story. It's possible he was simply clueless, but dang that's insensitive at best. He was also using it according to the article at other times, telling at least one coworker that another called her a "n---- bitch".
But he still wasn't fired till it hit the papers. And IMO at that point it didn't matter what color his skin or what the context. He was a news anchor, a public figure. At that point, he also became a detriment to the station.
Only there 3 years in a major market station and already anchor....this guy came in with experience from somewhere, he should have known better.