Marriott faces lawsuit for allegedly firing employee who reported discrimination

The suit alleges Sulejmani flagged multiple incidents of inappropriate conduct by a co-worker to his manager, but no action followed. He, meanwhile, was regularly held accountable for minor infractions. When he escalated concerns about unfair treatment based on race and gender to the general manager in August 2025, the matter was handed off to the hotel manager — who allegedly ignored it at first. 

When that hotel manager did respond, the conversation allegedly took a turn. Rather than addressing the issues, he reportedly dismissed the concerns, described Sulejmani’s manager as a “model employee,” and told him to “think twice before you put ink on paper.” The lawsuit characterizes the remark as intimidation aimed at discouraging further reporting. 

From there, the allegations mount. After Sulejmani reported that a co-worker had thrown away his paperwork — an incident caught on security cameras — his access to the footage was allegedly restricted, while other managers kept theirs. A separate email accused him of failing to return a company radio, though a follow-up email confirmed the radio had indeed been found. 

In late September 2025, Sulejmani was suspended for allegedly swearing at a guest and carrying pepper spray. The lawsuit tells a different story: the individual in question was a trespasser previously banned for domestic violence who had reportedly directed sexual remarks and threats at Sulejmani. The pepper spray, the suit alleges, was never explicitly prohibited, management had long known he carried it, and other employees did the same without consequence. 

Sulejmani was terminated on or about October 9, 2025. The lawsuit alleges the decision was driven by his race, sex, and his choice to report discrimination. He is seeking back pay, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and a jury trial. No determination has been made on the merits of the case.