Winter 2002

two people with a star

Discrimination Case Settled; Teachers to Receive Sensitivity Training

In December of 2000, Native American Unit Attorney Craig Sanborn filed a complaint in Superior Court on behalf of Diane Clement, a Shead high school student and member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. The complaint alleged discrimination against Ms. Clement by a school bus driver. The Maine Human Rights Commission, in a case handled by Craig, had previously ruled in Ms. Clement's favor.  Click here to see a discussion of the Maine Human Rights Commission decision.   The case was later turned over to Attorneys Ivy Frignoca and Sam Rudman from the Portland law firm of Lambert, Coffin, Rudman and Hochman. The case has now been settled.  Click here to see a discussion of this case and issues involving discrimination.

Under the terms of the settlement, all elementary and high school teachers in the city of Eastport will receive cultural sensitivity training from Patricia Neptune, a member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe who works with Maine Indian Education. The settlement achieves Ms. Clement's goal of creating more sensitivity regarding Native American culture.

If you have questions about federal and state anti-discrimination laws, please call the Native American Unit of Pine Tree Legal at 1-800-879-7463.