In a significant legal move, an Illinois resident has filed a lawsuit against a local brewing company, alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination. Jaison White initiated the complaint on March 12, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Don't Worry Be Hoppy LLC, doing business as Galena Brewing Company. The lawsuit accuses the brewery of race-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981.
The plaintiff, Jaison White, claims that during his employment as a server from September 6 to December 27, 2024, he was subjected to discriminatory practices based on his race. According to White's allegations, these practices included different terms and conditions of employment compared to non-African American employees and ultimately led to his unlawful termination. White states that he was the last African American employee at Galena Brewing Company after others were terminated or resigned under suspicious circumstances. He argues that one African American employee was dismissed after raising concerns about workers' rights violations in a company group chat. Another was let go for alleged unreliability despite similar attendance issues among white employees not resulting in termination.
White's complaint further details incidents where he faced rumors about his impending firing and noticed a reduction in his scheduled shifts. Despite maintaining performance standards and receiving praise for his work ethic, he alleges that he faced unfounded criticism from management shortly before being terminated via text message by his manager Eli. The reasons cited for his dismissal included having "stronger servers" available and alleged dissatisfaction among other employees towards him—claims which White disputes as baseless given his previous commendations.
The legal action seeks various forms of relief including back pay, loss of benefits compensation, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, along with any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. The plaintiff argues that these measures are necessary due to the considerable harm suffered from what he perceives as systemic race discrimination by Galena Brewing Company.
Representing Jaison White are attorneys Nathan C. Volheim and Sophia K. Steere from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., located in Lombard, Illinois. The case is identified under Case ID: 3:25-cv-50110.