July 11th 2024.
A man named Dwight Jackson, who is Black, recently took legal action against the Shinola Hotel for what he believes to be discriminatory hiring practices. According to Jackson, the hotel only offered him a job interview after he changed his name on his resume. He filed a lawsuit on July 3rd in Wayne County Circuit Court, claiming that he was denied a job when he applied with his real name, but was then granted an interview after changing his name to "John Jebrowski." Jackson, who is 27 years old, had applied for multiple positions at the luxury hotel in downtown Detroit between January and April of 2024, including a role in the reception department.
Jackson's attorney, Jon Marko, explained that his client had a strong resume with a consistent employment history, including previous positions as a Front Desk Agent at both the Marriott Westin Book Cadillac and David Whitney Hotel in Detroit. Despite his qualifications, Jackson never received an interview until he applied under the name "John Jebrowski" in April of 2024. Marko believes this is a clear violation of the Michigan Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act.
"To be denied a job in 2024 in your hometown because of the color of your skin is more than just a financial loss. It affects a person's psyche," Marko said in a statement. Jackson decided to attend the job interview to confront the interviewer and reveal his true identity. However, he was informed that he was no longer considered a "viable candidate for the position." The lawsuit alleges that the hotel's decision was based on Jackson's racial appearance.
Marko went on to explain that this type of discrimination is unfortunately common, especially for minorities or those with minority-sounding names. Studies have shown that there is a clear bias against certain names in the hiring process. In fact, out of 108 resumes sent to employers, those with Black male and Black female names received the least callbacks.
The Detroit News reported that as a result of this incident, Jackson suffered from stress, humiliation, and both emotional and economic damages. "My client wants a jury made up of his peers, and that's exactly what we're going to get in Wayne County," Marko stated. "We don't need to take this to federal court because Michigan has strong anti-discrimination laws. I have confidence in our county and state courts to handle this case and bring justice for Mr. Jackson."
In response to the allegations, the owner and operator of the Shinola Hotel released a statement saying, "We take this allegation very seriously and do not tolerate any form of discrimination." They also stated their commitment to building a diverse workforce that reflects the community and fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees to succeed.
Jackson's attorney also revealed that there have been numerous calls from concerned citizens since news of the lawsuit broke. "I can't disclose too much about the case, but we have received several calls from people who have also faced discrimination at this hotel," he said. "We believe that where there's smoke, there's fire, and it certainly seems like there's a major issue here."
In conclusion, Jackson's lawsuit against the Shinola Hotel sheds light on the ongoing issue of discrimination in the workplace. It serves as a reminder that everyone should be given equal opportunities regardless of their race or ethnicity. Let's hope that this case brings about positive change and a more inclusive environment for all employees.
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