UPDATE: Ann Arbor Man Suffers Discrimination, Meets With State Representative

The following is an update provided directly from Marc Roark regarding his struggle for justice and equality. Thanks so much to the Michigan LGBT Dem Caucus for their hard work and support, and a big thanks to Marc for standing up against injustice and setting a wonderful example!

Today I met with State Representative Vicki Barnett in Farmington Hills. First of all I have to say that she is an absolute pleasure, joy and all around great person. More importantly she is a supporter and strong ally for human rights and for the LGBT community. Her work as the former Mayor of Farmington Hills and now as a State Rep, speaks for itself and I am proud that I have had a chance to meet and work with her on a very important issue facing our state and many others in the United State of America.

As most of you know I was and still am a victim of sexual orientation discrimination. I was fired from Busch’s Grocery Inc. (based in Ann Arbor, MI) on April 28th 2009 after being outed by an associate. I started my fight alone and then joined forces with the Michigan LGBT Dem Caucus to bring great attention to this legal injustice to such a large population of people throughout Michigan and other states. Not only was I fired, but I was denied unemployment benefits and denied a personal leave of absence from the company. I filed papers with the EEOC of Michigan and was sent a sweet apology letter stating that even though they empathized for & with me, there was nothing legally that they could do for me, there is no law protecting me against the abuse and slander that I suffered from Busch’s.

Busch’s stated to Phil Volk chairman of the MI. LGBT Dem Caucus that they wanted to work close with him and other organizations to make sure that this sort of action did not take place again. To my knowledge they have not made any attempt to follow through with this since their initial conversation. They also stated that they wanted to change their policies and behaviors, however I have not nor my attorney received an apology in any way shape or form, so I do question their honesty and integrity. I also wonder if this was just a stunt that they pulled to reduce the heat from their backs. I meet next week with the city of Ann Arbor attorney’s office to review a formal complaint that I submitted to them regarding Busch’s breaking city ordinance code 9:150. Intent & 9:154. Discriminatory employment practices.

Today was a breakthrough for me while meeting with Vicki Barnett, she stated that she was saddened at the level of homophobia that Busch’s has displayed and vowed to help me in whatever way that she and her office would be able to. She also made a commitment to me that she nor would any members of her family shop at any Busch’s location again, now that is support! Thank you so much Mrs. Barnett for your support and understanding!

Please take a moment and make a phone call or send a letter in my support to Busch’s Inc. Letting them know that we will not stand for this and we will continue to spread the word of their hatred and discriminating practices until they settle with me and give an apology to me, my family and the entire LGBT community.

Busch’s Corporate offices
2240 S. Main St. Ann Arbor MI 48103 &
565 E Michigan Ave. Saline, MI 48176
734-214-8300
734-218-8000
Ask for Christine Booher VP of Human Resources.

Thank you so much for your love & support!
Marc A. Roark