Ga. man claims Motel 6 removed him from room because of race

HOUSTON - A Georgia man has filed suit against a national lodging chain after his stay at one of its motels in Houston reportedly ended in his removal.

Citing racism as a reason behind the subject event, Jimmy L. Davis Jr. initiated legal action targeting Motel 6 Operating Limited Partnership in Harris County District Court on Aug. 26.

The litigation was removed to the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas on Oct. 2.

Davis and an acquaintance were traveling from Dallas to Houston to attend a church event and real investment trip on Aug. 27, 2011, when the plaintiff decided to rent a room at a Motel 6 located at 2900 West Sam Houston Parkway that same night.

Court papers explain that Davis went inside his room to discover black mold in the bathroom, stating he subsequently spoke to Ed Gardner, the manager on duty at the time.

The complainant, who is African American, asserts Gardner became angry and remarked,
"It's not black spots in the tub, the only thing is you all, you black morons, get the Hell out of my motel before I throw you out and called the Houston Police Department on you and have you both arrested!".

Gardner, who is a co-defendant in the case, purportedly sent the motel's security staff to Davis's room following the call.

Though the staff's inspection determined that Gardner "was wrong in his actions," the suit states, the complainant and his acquaintance "were escorted off the property and were forced to find alternative rooming accommodations elsewhere."

The security staff, whose members' names are not mentioned, is also being sued.

A jury trial is requested.

Davis is representing himself.

Case No. 4:13-CV-2907