Almost any decision an employer makes that is premised on an employee’s race and that negatively impacts that employee creates a viable cause of action for race discrimination. For example, employers may not to decide to terminate, demote, or refuse to promote employees on the basis of their race. Likewise, employers may not refuse to hire someone because of his/her race.

Both Maine and Federal laws prohibit racial harassment and racially hostile work environments. Employers may not permit racial harassment (such as the use of racially offensive language or graffiti) to create a racially hostile work environment.

Although laws are in place to prevent race discrimination and racial harassment, this type of discrimination and harassment still occurs. Employers also retaliate against employees who complain about or report such discrimination or harassment. This type of retaliation is also illegal.

If you have experienced any form of race discrimination, racial harassment, or retaliation you should contact an experienced employment lawyer.