Native Corrections Officer Files Discrimination Suit - Note From Leonard Peltier
Native American Corrections Officer Files Discrimination Suit Against Albany County, New York Correctional Facility
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caitlin Merrill, Director of Media Relations
cmerrill@tullylegal.com 518-218-7100
July 28, 2008 – Albany, NY – A claim has been filed by a Native American correctional officer against Albany County Correctional Facility for severe discrimination in the workplace based on national origin. The allegations include acts of discrimination against the officer over a period of three years, of which his supervisors were aware and frequently engaged in.
Robert Hunter, the correctional officer, was recurrently the target of derogatory comments and racial slurs based upon his status as a Native American at the hands of his co-workers, particularly his supervisors.
In one instance, employees at the facility publicly placed a poster of Native Americans in traditional dress and labeled the individuals pictured with the names of Hunter and his family. Another incident involved a surveillance video modified to depict Hunter being attacked to a “cowboys and Indians” style theme song. The video was shown at training sessions for the facility’s staff.
“This has been traumatizing not only for me, but for my family. It just became too difficult to wake up and go to work each day. I would be sick to my stomach in the morning,” said Hunter. “There’s no justification for the treatment I endured. I’m proud of my heritage.”
Hunter attempted to resolve the issues internally to no avail before pursuing legal action.
“The fact that administration failed to acknowledge and resolve the issue, in light of Mr. Hunter’s repeated requests, demonstrates a complete disregard for employees and civil rights in general,” said Ariel E. Solomon, the attorney representing Hunter. Solomon is a senior associate at Tully Rinckey PLLC.
Hunter and Solomon are available for comment on the case. For more information, please contact Caitlin Merrill at 518-218-7100 or via email at cmerrill@tullylegal.com.
- 30 -
Tully Rinckey PLLC is one of the fastest growing full-service law firms in the Capital Region and is dedicated to providing quality legal representation and customer service to individuals, families and businesses throughout New York’s Capital and Hudson Valley Regions.
The team of attorneys, paralegals, and professionals helps clients in a wide range of practice areas. The firm maintains a website, http://www.tullylegal.com/, with additional information about its attorneys, achievements, and news stories involving the firm’s work.
A Personal Note From Leonard Peltier
Submitted by Harvey Alden
I want to thank all of you who have shown your concern and answered my call for help. This medical problem has been going on now for some time, at least a year or so. As you know, a diabetic coma is usually fatal. I am feeling a whole lot better now, so thank you for helping me. You can stop contacting the BOP or Lewisburg officials.
Let's get back to concentrating on other important things. Again, thank you very much. In the Spirit of Crazy Horse.
Doksha,
Leonard Peltier
Birthday Activities
Leonard will celebrate his 64th birthday on September 12. Please continue to lift Leonard's spirits by letting him know he is not forgotten. Send birthday cards and letters to
Leonard Peltier #89637-132,
USP-Lewisburg,
USPenitentiary,
PO Box 1000,
Lewisburg, PA 17837-1000.
Get event planning tips at
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/events.htm.
If you're planning an event to mark Leonard's birthday, please let us know as soon as possible. We'll post your event announcement on our online calendar and help promote your event by other means. Please send all the pertinent information about your event to contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info.
Branch News
We invite you to partner with us to formulate strategies, devise fundraising ideas, and build public support. We strongly urge you to consider establishing a branch of the LP-DOC in your area. Your participation is imperative to our survival and Leonard's freedom.
Support groups affiliated with Leonard's former defense committee are very welcome to join us, too. You're requested to formally register with the LP-DOC as soon as possible. As with all our branches, you'll receive a packet of information to help you continue your great work on Leonard's behalf.
For more information, see
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/establish.htm
and then contact us at
contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info.
Please provide your name, mailingaddress, telephone number and e-mail address. We'll be happy to send youwhat you need to get started.
Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (LP-DOC)
PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106
Phone: 701/235-2206
E-mail: contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info
Web: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/
In keeping with traditional Indigenous values, we believe that all life is sacred and must therefore be respected. Leonard and the LP-DOC respect the rights of others with regard to their political views and the expression of those views.
However, Leonard and the LP-DOC urge supporters to always behave responsibly. We have not and will never condone hate speech, destruction of property, and/or threats of violence or acts of violence ofany kind.
Always remember these words to supporters: "You are representing me and my bid for freedom. The public looks at you before they see me or my issue."-
Leonard Peltier.
While supporters are free to forward or repost our listserv announcements, please (for his protection) do not alter Leonard's personal statements in any way.
To verify the accuracy of a statement you see posted on the Internet, visit http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/, scroll down the main menu on the left sidebar and click on "Peltier Statements" located in the News section.
-----Amnesty International considers Leonard Peltier a "political prisoner" who should be "immediately and unconditionally released." Leonard Peltier, now a great-grandfather, is a citizen of the Anishinabe and Dakota/Lakota Nations and a tireless advocate for Indigenous Rights.
A participant in the American Indian Movement, he went to assist the Oglala Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the mid-1970s where, on June 26, 1975, a tragic shoot out occurred. He was wrongfully convicted in the deaths of two agentsof the Federal Bureau of Investigation and has been illegally incarcerated since 1976. Federal prosecutors have twice admitted before the Courts of Appeal that they don't know who fired the fatal shots.
The government also has admitted that it isn't known what role Leonard Peltier "may have played" in the incident. Since his politically motivated prosecution and conviction, proof of fabricated and suppressed evidence, as well as coerced testimony, has been uncovered. The Courts of Appeal have repeatedly acknowledged investigative and prosecutorial misconduct in this case, but have failed to take corrective action.
A model prisoner, Leonard continues to maintain his innocence and has consequently been denied fair consideration for parole.
Join with numerous internationally recognized human rights organizations, civil rights leaders, celebrities and other luminaries who have called for the immediate release of Leonard Peltier.
Visit - http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/.Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do. Friends of Peltierhttp://www.freepeltiernow.org/
TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE, OPINION PIECE, COMMENTS to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.
NATIVE UNITY - A place for Native American Peoples to solidify their tribes to make a positive impact on the cultural, social, economic and political fabric of American society and a place for non-Natives to better understand the ways of the American Indian.
ATT: NEW - News Blog - American Indian Report - AIR BLOG
http://falmouth-air.blogspot.com
'Court Upholds Rights Of Alaska Natives'
NATIVE ISSUES BLOG
Professor Robert J. Miller
http://lawlib.lclark.edu/blog/native_america/
AIROS NATIVE NETWORK plays music, news and other great programs from Indian Country - www.airos.org
FOR ANNIE'S NATIVE CELEBRITY NEWS - go to www.nativecelebs.com
CATCH COLORADAN PETER JONES AT:
http://indigenousissuestoday.blogspot.com
SUPPORTING NATIVE AMERICAN/FIRST PEOPLE - ARTISTS, FILM MAKERS, ENTERTAINERS, ETC. http://www.krystynmedia.blogspot.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caitlin Merrill, Director of Media Relations
cmerrill@tullylegal.com 518-218-7100
July 28, 2008 – Albany, NY – A claim has been filed by a Native American correctional officer against Albany County Correctional Facility for severe discrimination in the workplace based on national origin. The allegations include acts of discrimination against the officer over a period of three years, of which his supervisors were aware and frequently engaged in.
Robert Hunter, the correctional officer, was recurrently the target of derogatory comments and racial slurs based upon his status as a Native American at the hands of his co-workers, particularly his supervisors.
In one instance, employees at the facility publicly placed a poster of Native Americans in traditional dress and labeled the individuals pictured with the names of Hunter and his family. Another incident involved a surveillance video modified to depict Hunter being attacked to a “cowboys and Indians” style theme song. The video was shown at training sessions for the facility’s staff.
“This has been traumatizing not only for me, but for my family. It just became too difficult to wake up and go to work each day. I would be sick to my stomach in the morning,” said Hunter. “There’s no justification for the treatment I endured. I’m proud of my heritage.”
Hunter attempted to resolve the issues internally to no avail before pursuing legal action.
“The fact that administration failed to acknowledge and resolve the issue, in light of Mr. Hunter’s repeated requests, demonstrates a complete disregard for employees and civil rights in general,” said Ariel E. Solomon, the attorney representing Hunter. Solomon is a senior associate at Tully Rinckey PLLC.
Hunter and Solomon are available for comment on the case. For more information, please contact Caitlin Merrill at 518-218-7100 or via email at cmerrill@tullylegal.com.
- 30 -
Tully Rinckey PLLC is one of the fastest growing full-service law firms in the Capital Region and is dedicated to providing quality legal representation and customer service to individuals, families and businesses throughout New York’s Capital and Hudson Valley Regions.
The team of attorneys, paralegals, and professionals helps clients in a wide range of practice areas. The firm maintains a website, http://www.tullylegal.com/, with additional information about its attorneys, achievements, and news stories involving the firm’s work.
A Personal Note From Leonard Peltier
Submitted by Harvey Alden
I want to thank all of you who have shown your concern and answered my call for help. This medical problem has been going on now for some time, at least a year or so. As you know, a diabetic coma is usually fatal. I am feeling a whole lot better now, so thank you for helping me. You can stop contacting the BOP or Lewisburg officials.
Let's get back to concentrating on other important things. Again, thank you very much. In the Spirit of Crazy Horse.
Doksha,
Leonard Peltier
Birthday Activities
Leonard will celebrate his 64th birthday on September 12. Please continue to lift Leonard's spirits by letting him know he is not forgotten. Send birthday cards and letters to
Leonard Peltier #89637-132,
USP-Lewisburg,
USPenitentiary,
PO Box 1000,
Lewisburg, PA 17837-1000.
Get event planning tips at
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/events.htm.
If you're planning an event to mark Leonard's birthday, please let us know as soon as possible. We'll post your event announcement on our online calendar and help promote your event by other means. Please send all the pertinent information about your event to contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info.
Branch News
We invite you to partner with us to formulate strategies, devise fundraising ideas, and build public support. We strongly urge you to consider establishing a branch of the LP-DOC in your area. Your participation is imperative to our survival and Leonard's freedom.
Support groups affiliated with Leonard's former defense committee are very welcome to join us, too. You're requested to formally register with the LP-DOC as soon as possible. As with all our branches, you'll receive a packet of information to help you continue your great work on Leonard's behalf.
For more information, see
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/establish.htm
and then contact us at
contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info.
Please provide your name, mailingaddress, telephone number and e-mail address. We'll be happy to send youwhat you need to get started.
Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (LP-DOC)
PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106
Phone: 701/235-2206
E-mail: contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info
Web: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/
In keeping with traditional Indigenous values, we believe that all life is sacred and must therefore be respected. Leonard and the LP-DOC respect the rights of others with regard to their political views and the expression of those views.
However, Leonard and the LP-DOC urge supporters to always behave responsibly. We have not and will never condone hate speech, destruction of property, and/or threats of violence or acts of violence ofany kind.
Always remember these words to supporters: "You are representing me and my bid for freedom. The public looks at you before they see me or my issue."-
Leonard Peltier.
While supporters are free to forward or repost our listserv announcements, please (for his protection) do not alter Leonard's personal statements in any way.
To verify the accuracy of a statement you see posted on the Internet, visit http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/, scroll down the main menu on the left sidebar and click on "Peltier Statements" located in the News section.
-----Amnesty International considers Leonard Peltier a "political prisoner" who should be "immediately and unconditionally released." Leonard Peltier, now a great-grandfather, is a citizen of the Anishinabe and Dakota/Lakota Nations and a tireless advocate for Indigenous Rights.
A participant in the American Indian Movement, he went to assist the Oglala Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the mid-1970s where, on June 26, 1975, a tragic shoot out occurred. He was wrongfully convicted in the deaths of two agentsof the Federal Bureau of Investigation and has been illegally incarcerated since 1976. Federal prosecutors have twice admitted before the Courts of Appeal that they don't know who fired the fatal shots.
The government also has admitted that it isn't known what role Leonard Peltier "may have played" in the incident. Since his politically motivated prosecution and conviction, proof of fabricated and suppressed evidence, as well as coerced testimony, has been uncovered. The Courts of Appeal have repeatedly acknowledged investigative and prosecutorial misconduct in this case, but have failed to take corrective action.
A model prisoner, Leonard continues to maintain his innocence and has consequently been denied fair consideration for parole.
Join with numerous internationally recognized human rights organizations, civil rights leaders, celebrities and other luminaries who have called for the immediate release of Leonard Peltier.
Visit - http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/.Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do. Friends of Peltierhttp://www.freepeltiernow.org/
TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE, OPINION PIECE, COMMENTS to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.
NATIVE UNITY - A place for Native American Peoples to solidify their tribes to make a positive impact on the cultural, social, economic and political fabric of American society and a place for non-Natives to better understand the ways of the American Indian.
ATT: NEW - News Blog - American Indian Report - AIR BLOG
http://falmouth-air.blogspot.com
'Court Upholds Rights Of Alaska Natives'
NATIVE ISSUES BLOG
Professor Robert J. Miller
http://lawlib.lclark.edu/blog/native_america/
AIROS NATIVE NETWORK plays music, news and other great programs from Indian Country - www.airos.org
FOR ANNIE'S NATIVE CELEBRITY NEWS - go to www.nativecelebs.com
CATCH COLORADAN PETER JONES AT:
http://indigenousissuestoday.blogspot.com
SUPPORTING NATIVE AMERICAN/FIRST PEOPLE - ARTISTS, FILM MAKERS, ENTERTAINERS, ETC. http://www.krystynmedia.blogspot.com.
posted by Bobbie Hart O'Neill @ 12:53 PM
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