Cantor Fitzgerald hit with race discrimination suit

Cantor Fitzgerald faces a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by a black former employee who claims he was fired for complaining about race bias at the Manhattan-headquartered investment banking firm.

According to his lawsuit, Jermaine objected to co-workers who often made “monkey noises” around him. On one occasion, Jermaine claims, a co-worker told him he would be “enjoying his weekend where there won’t be any n*****s.”

Jermaine claims that despite numerous complaints, management took no steps to stop the racial harassment. When he told a manager he felt the treatment was preventing him from advancing, the manager allegedly replied that Jermaine needed to transfer to an office where he could “be around his own people.” When Jermaine asked him what that meant, the manager replied, “black people.”

His lawsuit seeks back pay and bonuses, as well as punitive damages.

Note: Employers must investigate all claims of harassment to determine if the charges are true. Train managers about their obligations under anti-discrimination laws.