Bank of America Sued for Racial Discrimination by Black Former Employee Jack Mitchell
Bank of America and Cantor Fitzgerald have been accused of racial discrimination in two lawsuits in New York, Reuters reports. Jack Mitchell, who is black, accused Bank of America of engaging in the practice of placing black employees at branches in low-income neighborhoods. Mitchell worked with Bank of America between 2007 and 2008. Mitchell claims he was fired in retaliation for complaining about the bank’s “racist practices.” He is reportedly seeking $10 million in damages.
Cantor Fitzgerald is being sued by Jermaine James, who is also black, alleging that in the four years he spent at the investment firm, colleagues made “monkey noises” when he was around and used the n-word on occasion. He also said that a manager responded to his complaints about being held back by suggesting he transfer to a branch where he could “be around his own people.” When he allegedly asked the manager to clarify the statement, the response was “black people.” James, who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald from 2004 to 2008, is asking to be rehired, as well as seeking back pay, bonuses, and punitive damages.
