An investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) found that black employees at a Paris, Texas, pipe factory were harassed with nooses, Confederate flags and death threats and that white employees who refused to participate in the abuse were fired.

The commission's decision requires that the employees, their representatives and Turner Industries' management engage in conciliation of the matter. If that stalls, the employees have the option of filing a lawsuit.

John Fenner, general counsel of Turner Industries, said in a statement an internal investigation found no wrongdoing at the oilfield pipe fabrication plant. But he said the company would meet with the EEOC to “address all concerns.”