215-c. Discrimination against employees for displaying the American flag. 1. No employer, public or private, or such employer's duly authorized agent shall discharge or discriminate against any employee in compensation or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment for displaying an American flag on the employee's person or work station, provided such display physically does not substantially or materially interfere with the employee's job duties. If after investigation the commissioner finds that an employer has violated any provision of this section, the commissioner may, by an order which shall describe particularly the nature of the violation, assess the employer a civil penalty of not less than two hundred nor more than two thousand dollars. Notwithstanding the provisions of section two hundred thirteen of this chapter, the penalties set forth in this section shall be the exclusive remedies available for violations of this section.
2. An employee may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction against any employer or persons alleged to have violated the provisions of this section. The court shall have jurisdiction to restrain violations of this section, within two years after such violation, and to order all appropriate relief, including rehiring or reinstatement of the employee to his former position with restoration of seniority, payment of lost compensation, damages, and reasonable attorneys' fees. At or before the commencement of any action under this section, notice thereof shall be served upon the attorney general by the employee.
Last modified: February 3, 2019