East Lansing resident says she was denied employment application because she is a woman
Attorney Tad T. Roumayah of Sommers Schwartz, P.C. has filed a civil lawsuit against 3TM, Inc., doing business as Pinball Pete’s, alleging sex discrimination in violation of the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
Filed in the Ingham County Circuit Court on behalf of plaintiff Melissa Rill, the complaint alleges that the East Lansing entertainment venue refused to hire or provide an employment application to Ms. Rill for a closing shift position solely because she is a woman. The lawsuit seeks damages, including lost wages and benefits, emotional distress and harm to professional reputation.
According to the complaint, Rill, a then 45-year-old East Lansing resident, inquired about a closing shift position at the East Lansing Pinball Pete’s location in April of 2024. She was directed to return to meet with the hiring manager, Jeffrey Piotter.
The lawsuit alleges that during the conversation, Piotter repeatedly referenced Rill’s female sex and physical stature, stating that he only hires men for evening and night positions and expressed concern that Ms. Rill was “too petite” for the role.
The complaint further alleges that Piotter specifically told Rill that Pinball Pete’s would not hire her because she is a “petite” woman and reiterated that he only hire males for the position. He refused to even provide Ms. Rill with a job application.
Rill later filed a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, asserting that she was subjected to discrimination based on her status as a woman.
Pinball Pete’s website (https://www.pinballpetes.org/east-lansing-location-history) touts that the organization was, “built in a simple idea: create a place where everyone feels at home. . . We’re an easy-going, inclusive environment where retro vibes meet genuine hospitality.”
Attorney Roumayah said the allegations reflect clear and unlawful discrimination.
“Michigan law plainly prohibits employers from refusing to hire someone because of their gender,” Roumayah said. “Pinball Pete’s stated position that it only hires men for the closing shift position is direct evidence of unlawful discrimination. Our client was qualified for the position and denied the job solely because she is a woman, in direct violation of her civil rights. We intend to hold the company accountable and to send a message that discriminatory hiring practices have no place in our communities.”
The lawsuit asserts that Pinball Pete’s is an employer as defined under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and that Rill was a qualified applicant for the position. It alleges that the company violated state law by refusing to hire or consider her for employment because of her sex.
The complaint demands a trial by jury and seeks entry of judgment for damages in an amount to be established at trial.
The case is Melissa Rill v. 3TM, Inc. d/b/a Pinball Pete’s.
Filed in the Ingham County Circuit Court on behalf of plaintiff Melissa Rill, the complaint alleges that the East Lansing entertainment venue refused to hire or provide an employment application to Ms. Rill for a closing shift position solely because she is a woman. The lawsuit seeks damages, including lost wages and benefits, emotional distress and harm to professional reputation.
According to the complaint, Rill, a then 45-year-old East Lansing resident, inquired about a closing shift position at the East Lansing Pinball Pete’s location in April of 2024. She was directed to return to meet with the hiring manager, Jeffrey Piotter.
The lawsuit alleges that during the conversation, Piotter repeatedly referenced Rill’s female sex and physical stature, stating that he only hires men for evening and night positions and expressed concern that Ms. Rill was “too petite” for the role.
The complaint further alleges that Piotter specifically told Rill that Pinball Pete’s would not hire her because she is a “petite” woman and reiterated that he only hire males for the position. He refused to even provide Ms. Rill with a job application.
Rill later filed a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, asserting that she was subjected to discrimination based on her status as a woman.
Pinball Pete’s website (https://www.pinballpetes.org/east-lansing-location-history) touts that the organization was, “built in a simple idea: create a place where everyone feels at home. . . We’re an easy-going, inclusive environment where retro vibes meet genuine hospitality.”
Attorney Roumayah said the allegations reflect clear and unlawful discrimination.
“Michigan law plainly prohibits employers from refusing to hire someone because of their gender,” Roumayah said. “Pinball Pete’s stated position that it only hires men for the closing shift position is direct evidence of unlawful discrimination. Our client was qualified for the position and denied the job solely because she is a woman, in direct violation of her civil rights. We intend to hold the company accountable and to send a message that discriminatory hiring practices have no place in our communities.”
The lawsuit asserts that Pinball Pete’s is an employer as defined under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and that Rill was a qualified applicant for the position. It alleges that the company violated state law by refusing to hire or consider her for employment because of her sex.
The complaint demands a trial by jury and seeks entry of judgment for damages in an amount to be established at trial.
The case is Melissa Rill v. 3TM, Inc. d/b/a Pinball Pete’s.
