Imagine trying to deposit your check at your local bank and not being able because you’re black. That’s exactly what happened to 37-year-old Trish Doolin, who recently relocated to Seattle for a job with Nelson, Inc.
According to LoveBScott, Trish, who’s an architect, wasn’t able to get her first check through direct deposit because the company didn’t set it up yet so she took her paycheck to Key Bank.
The bank clerk didn’t believe her check was real so as soon she left the bank she received a call shortly from the manager. He wanted Trish to come in so he could talk to her for a few minutes.
Doolin spoke with BET and said,
“He asked my profession, and then asked why the company’s headquarters were in Philadelphia.Then he asked if HR could verify that I was an employee there.”
Apparently moments later the banker ended up calling Nelson’s HR to see if Doolin actually worked there. Doolin was told that it was just “for the bank’s safety.”
To make matters worse the bank clerk then dropped another bomb telling her that they’re placing a hold on her check because her account hadn’t been open for 30 days and they needed to make sure the funds were legit.
“When I realized that I was defending who I was, trying to prove to someone I didn’t know who I was, I knew I was being discriminated against,” Doolin said. “It was just completely demeaning.”
Solon ended up giving the bank a call later and she was told that the clerk wasn’t being racist and that it was just company protocol.
“I can assure he is far from racist,” the woman told Doolin. “He would have done that to any other customer.”
Doolin eventually got her money but she still felt some type of way, as she should.
“I live in a world where, no matter what’s in my brain or purse, no matter how I wear my hair, no matter how fabulous I look when I walk out the door, I’m still black,” Doolin said. “People still clutch their purses when I walk past.”
The bank ended up releasing a statement once Doolin’s story went viral.
“As a company, KeyBank values diversity within our organization, our communities and our clients. We do not tolerate discrimination. Client confidentiality means we cannot speak to any specific client’s situation. We can however, describe our Funds Availability Policy regarding client deposits and holds that may be placed on client deposits. Generally speaking and in compliance with applicable law, we advise clients who are new to KeyBank that we may place holds for a short period of time on their deposits during the first 30 days after they open their account with us. ”
Doolin’s plans on closing her account at the bank. Are you surprised?
