Kya Buller
A Black man is suing a hotel after alleging he was only offered a job interview once he'd changed the name he was applying with.
The lawsuit, obtained by CNN, shows that 27-year-old Dwight Jackson filed the suit on 3 July against the self-described 'luxury' Shinola Hotel - as a result of him being rejected for a job when applying with his given name, but was offered an interview after changing his name to "John Jebrowski."
As per the lawsuit, the grounds are "violation of Michigan Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act.”
He had applied for many roles at the Detroit hotel in question, including a role at their front of house reception. The applications took place between January and April 2024.
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Jackson's lawyer, Jon Marko, referenced both of his client's CVs - one with each given name.
Marko told CNN: "Mr. Jackson had applied for a job that he was eminently qualified for."
His experience shows he has worked as a Front Desk Agent at Detroit’s Marriott Westin Book Cadillac and David Whitney Hotel.
In April 2024, he applied again with the name "John Jebrowski."
He was then offered multiple interviews within a week.
The lawsuit further notes that Jackson applied to Shinola Hotel “twice for similar positions under a more readily apparent Caucasian name, with the alias John Jebrowski".
Jebrowski's lawsuit adds: "Jackson established that the Defendant’s consideration of candidates was based on the racial appearance of the applicant’s name.”
Marko continued: "To be denied a job in 2024 in your hometown, for the colour of your skin, goes beyond dollars and cents. It goes into the psyche of a person."
According to the lawsuit, Jackson arrived for his interview and revealed the truth to the interviewer, as well as his reasons for the name change.
The lawsuit states: "Shortly after Jackson underwent the interview process, he was informed that he was no longer a viable candidate for the position."
Sage Hospitality Group, who manages Shinola Hotel, stated to CNN last week: "We take this allegation very seriously and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. 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.”
Marko expressed that he has high hopes for the case due to them having the ability to show both of Jackson's job applications with the two names side by side.
He added that his client "wants to shed light on this problem that’s not just isolated at the Shinola Hotel, not just isolated in Detroit or Michigan, but across the country. He wants to make sure that it doesn’t happen to anyone else.”