Devin Deane successfully defended a local McDonald’s franchisee against a claim of race-based public accommodations discrimination in a multi-day trial in Cumberland County Superior Court.  Devin successfully proved that the offending employee’s actions were based on personal motivations outside the scope of his employment for which the employer could not be held responsible under the Maine Human Rights Act and Maine common law. 

The defense verdict was a vindication for the small business owner who celebrates having one of the most diverse work forces in Maine and did everything in his power to ensure a positive, nondiscriminatory environment at his store, including immediately terminating the offending employee’s employment when he was made aware of the incident.   

For information regarding the subsequent appeal affirming the trial court’s decision, please click here.