I personally wouldn't jump on the racial thing unless the offended says that it was racially motivated.

The point is, fire me the week before. Not the NIGHT before.

you can't fire someone without telling them that they're not doing their job up to snuff. you can get sued for that.
in the workplace, there has to be documented "warnings" or even recommendations... but they need to be insisted upon as "you're messing up... try this" ... not some passive aggressive "you should try some coachings."
she said (paraphrasing) that she thought they were just passing comments- not urgings, but more like "hey... get some coaching... if you want" it's one thing, if you sit down with a person and say "I think getting excel training will help you to do your job more effectively" ... but a passing comment, like "you should get..." again... it could be effective in context

they didn't talk about the lighting in either of those stories

Shida cara,
I have forwarded your entire communication to a very large number of established singers. Although I had not known about this until I heard from you (this was only three days ago), I've checked the net and find the news is very widespread. I'm sure we have not heard the end of this. Sounds like the Elayne Jones -- the timpanist with the SF SO -- all over again. Ms Briggs's experience, laurels, and repertoire do not suggest any justification.
Dom