Chevron Pascagoula Refinery releases statement on noose

After reports of a noose being found at Chevron’s Pascagoula Refinery, the company released this statement Tuesday evening:

“On Monday, we were notified of a noose hanging in an operating unit at the Pascagoula Refinery. The item was removed and the incident was immediately reported to refinery leadership. Chevron’s Refinery Security Team immediately launched an investigation, which is ongoing.

“A diverse and inclusive work environment is a core value of the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery. Chevron will not tolerate discriminatory or harassing actions that seek to undermine our core values.”

“Diversity is one of Chevron’s core values, which are defined by The Chevron Way. The Chevron Way holds everyone accountable in advancing diversity at all levels of the company. We’re a proud proponent of diversity in the workforce, and we support an inclusive workplace that values the diversity of ideas and talents.”

In November, Chevron was listed as one of the best companies to work for, getting a perfect score on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index. The Human Rights Campaign says the index “provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large U.S. employers and their policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.”

In September, Chris Cavote was named refinery general manager. Cavote holds the same position at Chevron’s refinery in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, and is chairman of Chevron Canada Limited.

He succeeds manager Bruce Chinn, who the company said will be president of Chevron Oronite Co. in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, beginning Jan. 1.

This story was originally published December 19, 2017 at 7:57 PM with the headline "Chevron Pascagoula Refinery releases statement on noose."