Black Man Sues Detroit Hotel for Alleged Name Bias in Hiring

A Black man in Detroit is taking legal action against a local hotel after claiming he was only offered a job interview when he changed his name to sound more white. Dwight Jackson filed a lawsuit against the Shinola Hotel, alleging that he was initially denied a job when he applied under his real name, but was later offered interviews when he used an alias, “John Jebrowski.”

Jackson applied for multiple positions at the hotel in April but did not hear back. After reapplying with a different name, he was quickly offered interviews. Despite confronting the interviewer about potential name bias, he was ultimately denied the job.

His attorney, Jon Marko, emphasized the impact of such discrimination on an individual’s psyche, stating that being denied a job based on skin color goes beyond financial implications.

The hotel’s operating partner, Sage Hospitality Group, expressed a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace and building a diverse workforce. However, the incident sheds light on the persistence of name bias in hiring practices.

Author and human resources expert Dante King highlighted the historical roots of discrimination, noting that biases against Black individuals have been ingrained in society for centuries. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing biases in hiring processes to create a more equitable and inclusive environment.

As studies have shown disparities in callback rates based on names and higher unemployment rates among Black Americans, King urged both candidates and hiring teams to be aware of their biases and take proactive steps to mitigate discrimination in the workplace. By conducting thorough research on potential employers and addressing implicit biases, individuals can work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive work environment for all.