Racial discrimination lawsuit filed against Shinola Hotel

A Black Detroiter has sued the city’s Shinola Hotel for racial discrimination, alleging the luxury hotel responded to his resume only after he reapplied with a white-sounding name.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday by Marko Law, PLLC.

According to the suit, Dwight Jackson, 27, has “extensive work experience in hotel hospitality” and applied to the boutique hotel multiple times between January and April 2024 without ever getting an interview.

Jackson then reapplied with the same resume, only he changed his name to “John Jebrowski.” Suddenly he got a callback within a week, according to the lawsuit.

After finally securing an interview for the position, Jackson said he was told he was no longer being considered.

“What’s in a name? Apparently, a lot if you want employment at the Shinola Hotel,” attorney Jon Marko said in a press release. “Studies show that applicants with black-sounding names are less likely to receive an interview when employers are presented with identical resumes. Mr. Jackson’s situation is case on point.”

The lawsuit alleges that the incident is a violation of the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

Asked for comment, the Shinola Hotel’s operating partner Sage Hospitality responded.

“We take this allegation very seriously and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind,” the organization said. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and are dedicated to building a diverse workforce that reflects the community.”

The lawsuit can be found below.

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Update: A statement issued on behalf of the Shinola Hotel was added to this article.

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