Compliance
EEOC Accuses Merrill of Discrimination
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a claim against Merrill Lynch&Co. accusing the firm of discrimination against an Iranian Muslim employee.
Reported by Rebecca Moore
Majid Borumand claims he was denied promotions and ultimately fired because of his ethnicity and faith, according to the Associated Press. The EEOC said in its complaint that, while employed at the company, Borumand was subjected to “remarks that reflected animus toward his national origin and religion.”
The AP said the EEOC further claimed that on one occasion Borumand was told “the reason you are not allowed on the trading floor is because you are from a country which has a high risk factor and a threat.”
The agency identified Borumand as an analyst in Merrill Lynch’s global markets and investment banking model development group, but the company said he was a senior programmer in a global equity technology group.
Merrill Lynch denies any wrongdoing.