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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2007
Mid-Continent Public Library Pays $45,500 to Settle Racial Harassment Case
JEFFERSON CITY, MO - The Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) settled a case alleging racial harassment against the Mid-Continent Public Library for $45,500. The library also agreed to provide equal opportunity training for its employees.
In the case brought before the Administrative Hearings Commission, the MCHR charged that a supervisor regularly used racial epithets in referring to African American patrons and African Americans in general. This created a racially hostile working environment for the two Caucasian employees who filed complaints. The complaints also charged that the library retaliated against the employees after they complained about the racial harassment.
“It’s important for the commission to be vigilant in its efforts to eradicate racial harassment and retaliation in the workplace,” said Eric Krekel, acting executive director of the MCHR. “Employers have an obligation to provide a workplace that’s free from racial harassment no matter what the race of their employees may be. Employers must take prompt and effective remedial action after employees complain of racial harassment.”
The MCHR is responsible for enforcing the Missouri Human Rights Act which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and places of public accommodation because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), disability and age (in employment only) and familial status (in housing only). Further information about the MCHR is available on its website at www.dolir.mo.gov/hr or by calling (573) 751-3325.
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· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
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