HomeAsian AmericansWoman Sues Retirement Agency for Racial Discrimination
Connie Chung Event

Woman Sues Retirement Agency for Racial Discrimination

CATEGORIES

Photo of Gardiner, Maine, by Terry Ross via Wikimedia Commons

An Asian American woman who works for Maine Public Employees Retirement System has sued the agency, alleging racial discrimination, Bangor Daily News reports.

Mary Lee, 64, of Gardiner, sued the agency in U.S. District Court. She says a supervisor and at least one co-worker made comments that contributed to a hostile work environment.

Lee, who is from Hong Kong, has been working at MainePERS since 2013. She says the comments began in 2014. According to Bangor Daily News, a supervisor allegedly made comments like “All Asians are drug dealers,” and “Do you sell drugs?”

In 2016, Lee also asked that the office not celebrate her birthday after the actual date. It is considered bad luck in her culture to do so.

“Instead of approaching Lee’s request regarding birthday celebrations with understanding of or respect for Lee’s cultural beliefs, MainePERS treated Lee’s request like it was unreasonable and obnoxious, further contributing to the hostile working environment,” the complaint reads.

MainePERS recently hired a new CEO, Rebecca Wyke, Pensions & Investments reports. She will replace Sandra J. Matheson who will stay on through 2021 to assist with the transition.

Response to Lee’s complaint is due from MainePERS in 21 days.

AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story or making a contribution

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


Connie Chung Event

Latest

Worth the Time

Must Read

Regular Features

Common Ground

Connie Chung Event

Latest

Discover more from AsAmNews

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading