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. 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.