Progressive verified to Coverage Enterprise that it will be terminating the romance with the insurance company.
A Progressive spokesperson explained: “We’re knowledgeable and appalled by the signal a short while ago posted at the Harry E Reed Agency and are terminating our romance with the agency. At Progressive, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are basic to our Main Values.
“We’re committed to creating an atmosphere wherever our individuals experience welcomed, valued and revered and anticipate that any person symbolizing Progressive to acquire component in this motivation. The indication is in immediate violation of that determination and doesn’t align with our company’s main values and code of carry out.”
An image of the racist sign, shared on Monday, triggered outrage on social media.
Allura Stillwagon, who shared the indication with her online next, explained to NPR: “I experienced to read it additional than once simply because I believed it was some thing [my mom] saw on Fb. But when she stated it was a business enterprise [in town], I was instantly disgusted.”
“People have this strategy that Maine is not really racist and that it really is really liberal. But up north, it truly is not like that at all,” Stillwagon mentioned.
Harry E Reed did not answer to a ask for for comment, NPR documented.
In a assertion on Tuesday, Steve Golieb, chair of Millinocket Town Council, condemned the indicator as a “blatant disregard of human decency”.
“It is deeply saddening, disgraceful and unacceptable for any man or woman to attempt to make light of Juneteenth and what it represents for millions of slaves and their dwelling descendants,” Golieb explained.
Millinocket is a “beautiful position to stay,” Golieb reported, and the city “does not acknowledge or endorse nearly anything brief of inclusivity”.
Juneteenth is a federal US holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African People in america, celebrated on June 19.