GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A former employee of Founders Brewing Company has filed a lawsuit against the brewery alleging racial discrimination.
Tracy Evans, who is African-American, said he worked at Founders in Grand Rapids and then the company’s Canal Street Brewing in Detroit for about four years.
In the 15-page suit filed in federal court in Detroit in August, Evans said he was watched more closely and disciplined more harshly than his white co-workers. He also said his co-workers used racial slurs toward him.
He went on to claim he was denied a promotion and eventually fired this year because of his race and in retaliation for complaining about the way he had been treated.
Evans is seeking more than $75,000 in lost wages, damages and attorney fees.
Founders has denied the allegations. Lawyers representing the brewery released the following statement:
“The allegations of unlawful conduct in Mr. Evans’ lawsuit are baseless. Founders is a company that is built on diversity and its culture is the result of a great mixture of people who treat each other with respect. Founders will vigorously defend itself against these claims and is confident that it will prevail.”
