Biased Brewery: Founders Brewing Company Hit with Federal Lawsuit Over Shocking Allegations
Good evening, and thank you for joining us. Our top story tonight is a developing legal battle involving Founders Brewing Company, a prominent Michigan-based beer manufacturer. The company has been hit with a federal lawsuit that alleges repeated racial discrimination against an African-American employee, Tracy Evans. Founders Brewing Company has vehemently denied these claims, but the details emerging from the lawsuit are alarming.
Lawsuit Filed Amid Allegations of Discrimination
This week, the case against Founders Brewing was officially filed, bringing to light serious allegations that have sparked outrage and concern. Tracy Evans, a long-time employee of Founders, has stepped forward with claims of ongoing racial discrimination during his time at the company. The lawsuit alleges that Evans was subjected to racial slurs by co-workers and experienced unequal treatment that persisted even after he was transferred to Founders’ Tap Room in downtown Detroit.
Culture of Discrimination Alleged by Former Employee
Evans, who had worked for Founders for years, expressed his reluctance to become a whistleblower against a company he once loved. However, he felt compelled to take action, not just for himself but for the other employees still working there. “We have to start standing together and start speaking up when we should and when we can,” Evans stated.
According to the lawsuit, the discriminatory practices included not only the use of racial slurs but also the consistent overlooking of Evans for promotions. Instead, less qualified Caucasian employees were promoted over him. By the time Evans left Founders in 2018, he was one of only seven minorities out of nearly 200 employees. “At first, you don’t want to think it’s that,” Evans said, “but when all these things start building up, you kind of have to call a spade a spade.”
Founders Brewing Denies Allegations
In response to the lawsuit, Founders Brewing’s lawyer, Patrick Edsinga, issued a statement categorically denying the accusations. “The allegations of unlawful conduct in Mr. Evans’ lawsuit are baseless,” Edsinga said. “Founders is a company that is built upon diversity, and its culture is the result of a great mixture of people who treat each other with respect.”
Next Court Date Set for October 23rd
As the legal proceedings move forward, all eyes will be on the next court date, scheduled for October 23rd. The outcome of this case could have significant implications not just for Founders Brewing Company but for the broader conversation about workplace discrimination in the craft beer industry.
