WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The League of United Latin American Citizens, in keeping with its mission of advancing the socio-economic and civil rights of the Hispanic population in the United States, supports the courageous efforts of former and current employees at the Landon School who have come forward to shed light on the alleged deeply rooted discrimination against Hispanics and other racial minorities employed at the college preparatory school.
LULAC learned that on May 30th, Tim Harrison, the former Director of Finance and Operations at Landon filed suit against Bethesda, Maryland school alleging retaliation for reporting open discrimination against Hispanic maintenance workers. This lawsuit was filed on behalf of Mr. Harrison by attorney Adam Carter at The Employment Law Group in Washington, DC. Prior to the suit, five Hispanic employees filed declarations with the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights. While LULAC cannot judge the specific legal merits of this case, we are convinced by testimony from current and former workers that discrimination has occurred and we unequivocally find these actions deplorable and will certaingly not ignore them. (See related background information at the end of this document.)
"The evidence we have seen indicates a strong pattern of outright discrimination against Hispanic workers at Landon simply because of their ethnic origins and race," said Brent Wiles, LULAC National Executive Director. "A work environment that fosters such action, especially one that is at an educational institution that shapes the mind of young boys, is inexcusable."
LULAC calls on Landon to take proper measures to stop the widespread discrimination happening on its school premises. If not, LULAC will consider further organizational action to help galvanize this much needed change at Landon.
"This is a great opportunity for Landon to step up and do what is right by protecting their workers from people who discriminate against minorities," said Wilkes. "We hope our stance here will send a clear message to Landon and other workplaces that tolerate these types of discriminatory practices that the civil rights community is paying close attention to what they do and will take appropriate action."
About LULAC
Founded in 1929, The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), is the oldest and most widely respected Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States of America. Since its founding, LULAC has fought for full access to the political process and works to improve socio-economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans. LULAC is committed to its mission of advancing the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of the Hispanic population in the U.S.
Related Background Information and Legal Documents
At the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Timothy Harrison filed a $2-million lawsuit against Bethesda, Maryland's Landon School alleging retaliation for reporting blatant discrimination agianst several Hispanic maintenance workers (Case Number: 363170v).
Harrison, who was the Director of the Office of Finance and Operations at Landon, is suing for wrongful termination in violation of public policy and for Landon to put an end to its culture of discrimination. The suit alleges that Landon's actions have caused both the plaintiff Harrison and the other employees involved unnecessary pain and suffering.
Harrison says that he is bringing this suit to assist the workers who are allegedly still being humiliated by supervisors who openly discriminate against them-- referring to them as "spics" -- and who make their workplace miserable, according to related testimony from the Hispanic workers.
"I wanted to help the men who worked hard for me and for Landon, and Mr. Armstrong (Headmaster and Harrison's supervisor at Landon) would not allow me to fire two supervisors who have problems with their multicultural workplace. When I persisted, Landon turned on me."
"Landon is suffering under leaders who ended the employment of a respected and accomplished administrator. Tim Harrison is blowing the whistle on discrimination in the workplace but rather than investigating and addressing a culture of bias against its Hispanic and minority workers, Landon continues discriminatory practices and has turned on Tim Harrison," said Adam Augustine Carter, partner at The Employment Law Group law firm and co-counsel representing Harrison.
"The tone of the leadership at Landon is one of arrogance, and Landon's Board is not exercising its fiduciary duties to oversee how David Armstrong, the Headmaster, is managing its employees," said Carter.
"With this latest in a string of recent scandals under Mr. Armstrong's watch, it is clear that no one is taking charge at this well-known institution, where these scandals have reinforced a perception of privilege and entitlement," added Carter.
Landon has about 700 students in grades three through 12, and is one of the area's renowned private schools. Its annual tuition hovers in the $30,000 range.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is a volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington DC, with 900 Councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC's programs, services, and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meetin critical needs of today and future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12386