Dwight Jackson, a 27-year-old Black man, filed a lawsuit against Detroit's Shinola Hotel on July 3, alleging employment discrimination. Jackson applied for various positions at the hotel from January to April 2024 but received no response. His attorney, Jon Marko, stated Jackson was qualified, having worked as a "Front Desk Agent" at luxury hotels.
After being ignored, Jackson reapplied in April 2024 using the alias "John Jebrowski," which appeared more Caucasian and was immediately offered interviews. The lawsuit claims the hotel's hiring decisions were based on the perceived racial appearance of applicants' names, violating the Michigan Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act.
Marko revealed Jackson confronted the interviewer during the interview, exposing his real identity and accusing the hotel of name-based discrimination. Despite his qualifications, Jackson was informed he was no longer a candidate soon after. Marko noted that name bias in hiring is common and challenging to prove, citing a National Bureau of Economic Research study showing resumes with Black-sounding names received fewer callbacks.
Sage Hospitality Group, operating partner of Shinola Hotel, responded to the allegations, asserting their commitment to an inclusive workplace and stating they do not tolerate discrimination. Marko emphasized that employment discrimination extends beyond financial loss, impacting individuals' psyches. He highlighted that Jackson's case is unique due to the identical resumes yielding different results solely based on the name used. Jackson aims to spotlight this pervasive issue in hiring practices, advocating for broader awareness and change beyond just Detroit or Michigan but nationwide.
Link: CNN
Comments