I wouldn't say her behaviour is due to Bipolar or not.
This may just be her personality,and her upbringings.
Bipolar doesn't define if someone is racial or anti racial,etc. Those sort of things are products of the person's environment.
Bipolar disorder and behaviour(s) are a little more complex than a person being snippy and prejudice(s) etc. for those things can and are found in people without Bipolar.
I'm not saying she is or is not manic, but to assume her racial hangups, and edginess is because of her having Bipolar disorder is within poor judgment.
Also if this person prefers in "prescribing their own meds" or refusing them, they will not progress much, and make those around them miserable.
When I was DXed awhile ago, I did not like the idea of meds(mood stabilizers) but eventually got out of denial mode, and took them.
Okay, I know some will reply here that they do not use meds, don't need them or whatever, but for most, meds are necessary and DO help.
If possible, find a time you can talk with your co-worker, if you are unable, try to look at this as you would towards a "non bipolar" person, for some people label themselves with this disorder and do not really have it, nor do they really know what it is all about.
Just my 2 cents