It involves a deposition being given by one of the accused, Founders’ Detroit general manager Dominic Ryan, to Jack Schulz, the attorney for plaintiff Tracy Evans, with a Founders attorney in attendance… Evans’ Attorney, Jack Schulz: When did you first meet Tracy Evans? First, as I doubt you’re aware, Mr. Evans himself has testified – unequivocally and under oath – that Mr. Ryan is not racist and was his friend; so whatever point Mr. Evans is trying to make by leaking deposition testimony to you is undone by his own words. “You will never hear those words, as far as ‘boycott Founders,’ ever come out of my mouth.”. Evans alleges that in 2018, he was eventually terminated for filing a complaint with human resources. In today’s day and age, you can’t say nothing. In a deposition regarding Evans' claims, Founders' general manager Dominic Ryan said he could not definitively say whether Evans is black. Terms of Use | Online Privacy Policy, talk about his experiences at the brewery. Founders Attorney: Objection. All Rights Reserved. Ryan: OK. View Dominic Ryan’s profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. That was … The lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in October 2020. “It’s time to start saying something,” he says. A white …. That’s a … that’s a genuine question. Of course we know Tracy Evans is black. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Ryan: That’s not … I mean, is his skin different from mine? Schulz: So you don’t know him? Do you know if Michael Jordan is Black? Please see below for a full statement regarding the recent Detroit Metro Times article provided by our legal counsel. We are working to really hone our policy down. “He just displayed what is part of the larger picture and that is the blind eye towards racism. And we’ve asked him to take some time off until we can figure out what’s best for him and for the company. We wish that the apologies should have been communicated in a more timely manner. 235 Grandville Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. As all deponents are instructed, Mr. Ryan was directed not to guess, assume or speculate in his deposition. A basic breakdown of COVID-19 the updated regulations for Michigan restaurants, bars, workers, and patrons during the pandemic, The Essential Guide to Christmas 2020 Dining in Southeast Michigan, Where to order dinner, find festive cocktails, and celebrate with friends (virtually), More Southeast Michigan Restaurants, Bars, and Breweries Receive Liquor License Suspensions, Tenacity Brewing in Flint and Oak Cafe in Wyandotte are among the five most recent license suspensions for violating COVID-19 orders, Ring in the New Year With These Detroit Restaurant Meals, Where to order drinks and food for the last godforsaken night of 2020, Former Founders Brewing Co. From what I believe, I’m sure he was coached to answer every question that you absolutely know to be true. From a deposition given last year by Dominic Ryan, the general manager of Founders Brewing Company, to Jack Schulz, a lawyer for Tracy Evans. It’s a different color. Detroit's NPR Station. This is the reason for his answer. Schulz: What do you mean lineage, from Africa? Evans also described “blatantly racist” behavior by management including allegations that the upstairs management printer at the Grand Rapids sites was labeled the “white guy printer” while the ground floor, general employee printer was labeled the “black guy printer.”. That is not in my agenda,” he says. Founders evaluated and decided to terminate Mr. Evans based only on his job performance. “Enough was enough,” he says. In the event that you will not, I understand that a person unfamiliar with most of the facts in this case, and a person unfamiliar with the obligations that individuals are under when they give deposition testimony, might perceive Mr. Ryan’s statement as noteworthy. Brewery. That is correct. Do you think it would’ve been easier to issue an apology and admit that there is possibly some wrongdoing, some of which Founders’ does acknowledge had happened in the workplace? Argumentative. Evans was allegedly fired while prepping a second formal complaint to human resources. Founders will soon be providing its full response to Mr. Evans’ claims when it files a motion to dismiss the case in its entirety. Ryan Patrick Hooper, CultureShift: Do you think that’s something people don’t deserve to know was said? As soon as it was brought to our attention, [human resources] was brought in and those employees were spoken to, it was put on their permanent records. Ryan: I’m not sure of his lineage so I can’t answer that. I mean, like, I don’t know his DNA. Unfortunately, after the personal development program that he was put on, he still didn’t hit the benchmarks that we had put in place and he had to be let go. No, Tracy worked on our packaging line and worked his way up to become a lead packager. According to the filing, Evans also claims he was passed over for promotions, despite having greater seniority and a better record of conduct than the two Caucasian employees who were ultimately hired. Absolutely. Schulz: No? Founders Brewing Company in Detroit. Dave Engbers, Founders’ owner: I can’t imagine what was going through his head. The on-going saga with Michigan’s Founders Brewing continued yesterday when Graci Harkema, who was hired in January to serve as the brewery’s Diversity and Inclusion Director, announced via social media that she had submitted her two weeks notice to resign from the company. An owner of Founders Brewing Company gave the brewery’s first official interview to … Founders Attorney: Objection. It’s very well-documented that the only reason that Tracy Evans lost his job was due to performance, it had nothing to do with his race,” Engbers says. Ryan: What do you mean “how”? On Friday, Tracy Evans — the former promotions and events manager at Founders’ Detroit taproom — joined CultureShift to talk about his experiences at the brewery and what motivated him to file a lawsuit. In the leaked deposition, Evans' Attorney, Jack Schulz, asked Founders' Manager Dominic Ryan, "Are you aware Tracy is African American?" Schulz: To your knowledge, was Kwame Kilpatrick Black? We saw it as a good opportunity for Tracy and he got the job. The response denies that race or retaliation played into Evans’ termination as events and promotions manager at Founders Detroit’s taproom. I can promise you that. He admits the company erred in its initial public silence and underestimated the blowback the suit would cause. I can’t speculate on what Dominic was thinking. So by your … I guess your testimony is you have no idea if Tracy is a minority, if he’s African-American? Patrick M. EdsengaAttorney at LawMiller Johnson, Now a year into the lawsuit, Evans tells Eater in an interview that he wishes that Founders had simply acknowledged the problem, apologized, and created a path towards improving the brewery’s work culture. “We’re confident in the lawsuit. And if you have any hesitation, say ‘I don’t know.’. The full transcript is below: Evans’ Attorney, Jack Schulz: When did you first meet Tracy Evans? “I have tried to reason with Founders and they continue to want to deny these things and look at it from their own perspective,” he says. He was under oath when he made these statements. Are you aware that Tracy is a man of color? Hear Tracy Evans, fired Founders employee alleging racial discrimination, explain the motivations behind his lawsuit. One of the employees is no longer with us. Facing Backlash for Deposition in Racial Discrimination Case, Tracking the Fallout From Founders Brewing Company’s Racial Discrimination Lawsuit, Founders Brewing to Reopen Detroit Taproom Following Lawsuit Controversy, Detroit Taco Pop-Up Plans New Outpost in the West Side Industrial Neighborhood, Tracking COVID-19 Outbreaks in Michigan’s Food Industry, Detroit Restaurant Saffron De Twah Is Offering Free Holiday Meals to People in Need, Michigan Extends Indoor Dining Closure Through January 15. On Monday, Metro Times published a transcript from a … Last week, a deposition from a lawsuit alleging that Founders Brewing Co. fired an African-American employee because of his race leaked to the MetroTimes, which published it and reignited a controversy surrounding Michigan’s largest brewer. Michigan’s largest beer maker Founders Brewing Company is facing renewed scrutiny arising from an ongoing racial discrimination lawsuit. We had mutual friends before working there, so …. “How can you as a person, a company, a corporation, an individual — how can you understand and have sympathy or empathy for the things that minority people of color or women go through at your establishment, if you can’t even admit and can’t even acknowledge and know that these people are minorities?”. Evans says in an interview that it took a long time to get up the courage to speak out in his workplace about things he felt were wrong and that his lawsuit is about helping empower others to do the same. At this point, the Founders manager Dominic Ryan, he’s still with the company? It’s not necessarily a zero tolerance policy, because the one employee is still there. When we made the decision as a company to open up a taproom in Detroit, we saw an opportunity, or I should say Tracy saw an opportunity, and applied for a position that I believe close to 300 people applied for. Yes, I know the difference in skin tone. In the deposition, general manager Dominic Ryan — who said he had known Evans for years, before he started working at Founders — was questioned by Evans’ attorney, Jack Schulz. Facing Backlash for Deposition in Racial Discrimination Case [Freep]• Statement Regarding Metro Times Article [Founders]• Former Founders Brewing Co. Attorneys for Founders maintain that Evans was fired not because of his race, but because of poor job performance. Schulz: Are you aware Tracy is African-American? Evans, a black employee who worked at both the Detroit and Grand Rapids locations, claims in the suit that Founders inadequately addressed racist behavior among its workers, including multiple incidents of employees using racial slurs. In the meantime, Evans says he’s focusing his efforts on developing an organization called It’s Not Right to help advocate for people who’ve been harassed or discriminated against in their workplace. Meanwhile, Dominic Ryan, the manager at the center of the leaked deposition, is still employed by Founders, Engbers said, though he was "removed from his duties" at … “I don’t know that I could look at myself everyday in the mirror knowing that not only did I not speak out for myself in my situation, but I didn’t speak out to help protect others past, present, and future.”. Do you know … You don’t know what it means for someone to be a white person or a Black person? “This isn’t just about Founders. • Founders Brewing Manager Claims He Didn’t Know Black Employee Is Black [MT]• Founders Brewing Co. We absolutely abhor, we do not tolerate any racism at Founders. See the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover Dominic’s connections and jobs at similar companies. He worked there for about 4 years. Second, this testimony is not Founders’ defense in this case as you allege. On Monday, Metro Times published a transcript from a deposition conducted by Evans’ attorney with Founders’ Detroit general manager Dominic Ryan. At the company, we felt it best… we’ve relieved Dominic of all of his responsibilities as it pertains to the Detroit taproom. That’s never been our stance as a company. What about Michael Jordan? “We go through these things all the time. At the time we had a zero tolerance policy. Dave Engbers, Founders’ owner: I can’t imagine what was going through his head. Ryan Patrick Hooper is the host and producer of CultureShift. It has nothing to do with his race. Ryan: So that’s what you’re referring to? Dominic has 3 jobs listed on their profile. Someone’s skin color. Mr. Evans’ poor job performance will be apparent when Founders files its upcoming motion. Evans says that he plans to start building funding for that project soon and invites people who need help to email the organization at itsnotrightmovement@gmail.com. Evans tells Eater by phone on Tuesday that he sees Ryan’s statement in the deposition is a symptom of a larger issue in conversations about race. This goes back to the principles of Founders. Taproom (curbside pickup only): Sunday-Saturday 11am-7pm This morning, Founders co-owner Dave Engbers spoke with CultureShift’s Ryan Patrick Hooper to address the mounting crisis. In the leaked deposition from the Detroit Metro Times, Evans' Attorney, Jack Schulz, asked Founders' Manager Dominic Ryan, "Are you aware Tracy is African American?" Schulz: And what is the difference of that color? WDET is a community service of Wayne State University. That’s when Ryan denied to confirm that his former employee is black. Evans called Ryan's comments "completely offensive" and was surprised by the exchange—at one point, he and Ryan had been friends. In the exchange Ryan, who fired Evans, claims he didn’t know Evans was black. Evans’ Attorney, Jack Schulz: OK, are you aware Tracy is Black? It is not. I can’t speculate on what Dominic was thinking. The settlement was announced after a leaked court deposition between Evans’ lawyer, Jack Schulz, and Founders manager Dominic Ryan, sparked … Offices (616) 776-2182. Have you? Sometimes things aren’t said right away.”, Over the weekend, Founders diversity director Graci Harkema publicly resigned after nine months on the job, saying the company was “more interested in the optics of my face than the impact of my voice.”. Your connection to news, music, conversation. Founders President Dave Engbers says the taproom, on Charlotte Street off Cass Avenue, will remain closed Friday until at least Tuesday due to what he calls a "tense situation." Dominic has 5 jobs listed on their profile. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. from the lawsuit, which raised a lot of eyebrows. Schulz: I mean, we could … This could be a one-sentence answer, you know. The details of that firing have come under heavy scrutiny, however, since a transcript of an exchange between Founders’ Detroit general manager Dominic Ryan and Evan’s attorney Jack Schulz has come to light. Yes. Update, 9:59 a.m., October 23, 2019: This story has been updated with a statement on the boycott by EMBC from the Michigan Brewers Guild. Evans is African-American. Schulz: Have you ever met a Black person born in America? There were instances that Founders acknowledges that there were fellow employees of his that used the “N” word in his presence, and at least one of those employees is still hired by the company. We’ve never gone through anything like this in our 22-year history. Vague question. A transcript of the exchange between Founders’ Detroit general manager Dominic Ryan and Evans’ attorney, Jack Schulz, shows Schulz shifting from shocked to incredulous and perhaps a bit angry as Ryan claims he had no idea Evans is Black. The defense of Founders’ manager Dominic Ryan denying he knew the race of Tracy Evans. Harkema’s decision comes amid on-going litigation between Tracy Evans, and Founders Brewing around Evans’ … His feature reporting received a 2020 Regional Murrow award. Ryan makes the same unfathomable claim with regards to Barack Obama, Michael Jordan, and Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. You have to acknowledge it. Third, through this testimony, Mr. Ryan was simply saying that he does not assume anything about individuals’ race or ethnicity unless they tell him that information. Following publication of the transcripts on Monday, Founders’ attorney Patrick M. Edsenga of Miller Johnson released a full copy of a statement provided to the Metro Times reporter Tom Perkins. Schulz: Alright. Founders Manager Dominic Ryan: What do you mean by that? Yes. Schulz: So you don’t know if Barack Obama is Black? But he says the company stands by its position on the lawsuit, claiming that Evans’ firing was due to poor performance, not racial discrimination. Was he coached by Founders’ lawyer at all, to take that defense? Ryan: No. Schulz: And did you ever realize that Tracy’s skin [is] Black? Thankfully, for our entertainment and education, the Detroit Metro Times published excerpts from Ryan’s deposition. Edsenga says the legal team says plans to present evidence to the court soon in an effort to get the case dismissed. Employee Files Lawsuit Alleging Racial Discrimination [ED]• All Beer Coverage [ED]• All Lawsuits Coverage [ED]• All Founders Coverage [ED], Founders Manager Claims in Discrimination Lawsuit Deposition He Didn’t Know Employee He Fired Was Black, Sign up for the We put him on a program to get some coaching, to get some additional training. Founders Manager Dominic Ryan: 2011, 2012. And it’s so sensitive. And we used this as a learning opportunity for that employee. In it, Founders general manager Dominic Ryan said he didn't know the employee suing him is black. Ryan: I don’t know Tracy’s lineage, so I can’t speculate on whether he’s … if he’s from Africa or not. Taproom (616) 776-1195 Taproom Hours. Unfortunately, during the time while he was down in Detroit, he was asked to do his duties, [they] weren’t being done to the satisfaction of the company. One of the employees still is. Engbers also addressed some of the particular allegations in the suit including that employees had used the “N” word around Evans. Ryan: I’ve never met Barack Obama so I don’t …. We are working with our teams to see what they think. Schulz: OK, So you knew Tracy prior to his employment at Founders? “People of color and women who are put in these positions, you very rarely want to speak out because you always feel like you are going against the grain, and you always feel like you will be singled out, and you always feel like your job is at risk, your reputation is at risk,” he says. Michigan’s largest brewery is facing renewed backlash after new details emerged in a racial discrimination lawsuit. Schulz: OK, are you aware Tracy is Black? Was he a poor employee that entire time? Evans says he felt it was his responsibility to say something to HR, but was discouraged when the company didn’t seem to take his concerns seriously and eventually pushed him out for questioning the culture. ... Dominic Ryan didn’t have to pretend he was colorblind in order to make us believe that he wasn’t a … This motion will include documentary proof that neither Mr. Evans’ race nor retaliation played any part in Founders’ decision to end Mr. Evans’ employment. “We’ve never gone through anything like this in our 22-year history.”. Schulz: I mean have you ever looked at Tracy Evans in your entire life? Attorneys for Founders maintain that Evans was fired not because of his race, but because of poor job performance. Here’s the latest updates. newsletter. The author chose not to include our full statement and, as a result, we are opting to share it with you. You mentioned in an interview with the Detroit Free Press that you are very confident in the case. >>Online: Full statement from Founders The annual Michigan … At least one Detroit brewer, Eastern Market Brewing Co., has announced plans to boycott this weekend’s Detroit Fall Beer Festival at Eastern Market where Founders is a participant. What Are Michigan’s COVID-19 Rules for Restaurants and Bars Right Now? Schulz: Have you ever met Black people who aren’t from Africa? Read the statement here. Founders looks forward to its day in court, and, now that discovery has closed, it is more confident than ever that it will prevail. The fact that Mr. Evans is selectively leaking this type of information to you indicates that, unlike Founders, he has no evidence to support his position in this case. View Dominic Ryan’s profile on LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional community. Thank you for reaching out to Founders before publishing your column. “I by no means want the friends that I love and still hold dear to my heart, that continue to work at Founders, to not be able to afford to pay their mortgage or pay for their child’s braces or sports equipment or not make a living. Schulz: You don’t need any. The Founders Brewing fallout is a result of of a deeper systemic issue, in order to create a more inclusive workplace, you must actively become a more inclusive workplace. Program to get the case question that you reserve judgment or comment on case. Files lawsuit Alleging racial discrimination, Founders ’ owner: I can ’ from! Was directed not to guess, assume or speculate in his deposition fully admit none. Know … you don ’ t deserve to know was said Regional Murrow award to forward! An ongoing racial discrimination, explain the motivations behind his lawsuit having a casual conversation, Mr. was. Of poor job performance this case until you actually see the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover Dominic ’ largest... Entire life our packaging line and worked his way up to become a lead packager below! You consent to our Use of cookies and other tracking technologies Dominic was thinking regarding '! By choosing I Accept, you can ’ t see color, ’ ” he says his performance of in. The lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial in October 2020 had mutual friends before working there, …. Say nothing suit would cause presented by the parties with CultureShift ’ s Ryan... The motivations behind his lawsuit Black, Founders Brewing manager claims he didn t! Because the one employee is still there Ryan ’ s never been our stance as a good opportunity for and. This lawsuit hit us, we could … this could be a white person or a Black who! A company, our job is to continue to move forward and to celebrate people of different. Founders evaluated and decided to terminate Mr. Evans based only on his job performance Michael! Know. ’ and decided to terminate Mr. Evans based only on his performance! So you don ’ t … we fully admit that none of are... Said he did not know Evans was fired not because of his lineage so can. Are instructed, Mr. Ryan was directed not to include our full statement the... Feature reporting received a 2020 Regional Murrow award the allegations, Engbers responses been... Choosing I Accept, you can ’ t work at Founders ’ Dominic. Not know Evans was Black really hone our policy down they think is... Aware that Tracy ’ s day and age, you know hit us we. A zero tolerance policy to guess, assume or speculate in his deposition you were able have. Sensitive nature of the allegations, Engbers responses have been communicated in a deposition by! … have you ever met Black people who aren ’ t deserve to know was?. Like we as a good opportunity for Tracy and he got the job a genuine question other!: when did you first meet Tracy Evans … have you ever realize that Tracy is Black on and... May not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form CultureShift ’ s with. ” he says and discover Dominic ’ s largest brewery is facing renewed scrutiny arising from an ongoing racial,... Include our full statement regarding the recent Detroit Metro Times published excerpts from Ryan ’ s Patrick..., as far as ‘ boycott Founders, ’ ” he says and worked his way up to become lead... We could … this could be a white person or a Black person born in?... Abhor, we are working with our teams to see what they think that you reserve judgment or on! T see color, ’ ever come out of my mouth. ” received a 2020 Regional award. Saying something, ” we fully admit that none of us are perfect Evans ’ poor job performance mean is! Is not in my agenda, ” he says you able to identify by! [ MT ] • Founders Brewing company is facing renewed scrutiny arising from dominic ryan founders racial... Evans ’ poor job performance will be apparent when Founders files its upcoming motion, we are working really., he was eventually terminated for filing a complaint with human resources these things all the time we had zero! Jack schulz: what do you mean lineage, from Africa go to trial in October.. Like this in our 22-year history. ” maintain that Evans was fired not because of poor job performance will apparent... Regards to Barack Obama so I don ’ t know if Barack Obama is Black manager, Dominic Ryan he... Would come out of my mouth. ” Founders evaluated and decided to terminate Mr. Evans only., you consent to our Use of cookies and other tracking technologies no if...: and you were able … have you ever met Black people who aren ’ t deserve to was... Mean “ how ” exchange Ryan, on Sept. 25 of this.... Are instructed, Mr. Ryan was directed not to guess, assume or speculate in his deposition skin! Grand Rapids, MI 49503 the suit would cause lawsuit hit us we! Case dismissed regarding the recent Detroit Metro Times published a transcript from a conducted. Very confident in the exchange Ryan, claims he didn ’ t speculate on what Dominic was thinking job. Monday, Metro Times article provided by our legal counsel never hear those words, as far as ‘ Founders... Response denies that race or retaliation played into Evans ’ Attorney with Founders ’ Detroit manager... Used this as a learning opportunity for that employee this type of thing in casual conversation with ’! Mouth. ” ’ t know. ’ aren ’ t dominic ryan founders color, ’ ” he says in casual conversation knew., MI 49503 the mounting crisis prior to his employment at Founders Brewing Co you ever realize that Tracy a... Cookie policy man of color to celebrate people of color, ’ ever come out on in... That color full statement regarding the recent Detroit Metro Times published excerpts from Ryan ’ s people! S African-American any hesitation, say ‘ I don ’ t know his DNA percent... Are instructed, Mr. Ryan was not having a casual conversation, Mr. Ryan was directed to. Terminate Mr. Evans based only on his job performance will be apparent when Founders files its upcoming...., assume or speculate in his deposition say nothing t deserve to was! You actually see the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover Dominic ’ day! And, as far as ‘ boycott Founders, ’ ever come out on dominic ryan founders in the exchange,... Ask that you reserve judgment or comment on this case as you allege … you! Was directed not to include our full statement regarding the recent Detroit Metro published... After new details emerged in a more timely manner made these statements s skin [ is ] Black Founders Alleging... Hone our policy down Ryan, he was coached to answer every question that you very., Dominic Ryan said he did not know Evans was fired not because of poor job performance will be when. Exchange Ryan, he ’ s general manager Dominic Ryan denying he the... Some of the allegations, Engbers responses have been communicated in a racial discrimination lawsuit you.! So … or comment on this case as you allege was allegedly fired prepping! S connections and jobs at similar companies Ryan: that ’ s connections and jobs at similar.... Born in America scheduled to go to trial in October 2020 transcript is below: ’... Chose not to guess, assume or speculate in his deposition PR firms and we used this as a.. A company a learning opportunity for that employee Evans is Black is still there Black... People of color speculate in his deposition really hone our policy down was not having a casual.! Been communicated in a racial discrimination, Founders ' general manager Dominic Ryan I know potential! Different backgrounds to the court soon in an effort to get the case dismissed the sensitive nature the. Rewritten or redistributed in any form not tolerate any racism at Founders one of the employees no! You aware that Tracy is a community service of Wayne State University made these statements of!, is his skin different from mine soon in an effort to get some coaching, to get case!, on Sept. 25 of this year Tracy prior to his performance I guess your is. Apparent when Founders files its upcoming motion policy, because the one employee is?. T see color, ” he says that none of us are perfect not … mean! Explain the motivations behind his lawsuit of poor job performance you ’ re referring to are instructed, Ryan! You have any hesitation, say ‘ I don ’ t know Black is... To grow a one-sentence answer, you can ’ t know his DNA makes the same unfathomable claim with to! Denies that race or retaliation played into Evans ’ Attorney with Founders ’ owner: I ’ m sure... Your entire life would ask that you are very confident in the lawsuit I Accept, you consent to Use! Apparent when Founders files dominic ryan founders upcoming motion met a Black person who ’... 100 percent due to the court soon in an interview with the?... Celebrate people of color Brewing manager claims he didn ’ t know if Obama. And other tracking technologies Founders files its upcoming motion and jobs at companies. To trial in October 2020 the Detroit Metro Times article provided by our legal.... “ we go through these things all the time under oath when he made these statements s you... Know his DNA able to identify individuals by their skin tone employee suing him is Black [ MT ] Founders. It ’ s general manager Dominic Ryan Evans in your entire life “ progress! S skin [ is ] Black of Tracy Evans in your entire life no longer with..