Manuel fragante applied for a clerk’s job with the city and county of honolulu. although he placed high enough on a civil service eligibility list to be chosen for the position, he was not selected because of a perceived deficiency in oral communication skills caused by his "heavy filipino accent." the clerks are constantly dealing with the public and the ability to speak clearly is one of the most important skills required for the position according to the city. fragante brought suit, alleging that the defendants had discriminated against him on the basis of his national origin in violation of title vii of the civil rights act. decide. [fragante v. city and county of honolulu, 888 f.2d 591 (9th cir.)]