"Not Mine" White Executive Says He Was Promoted, Then Gone 11 Days Later Before Filing Race Bias Lawsuit Against Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott

BALTIMORE, Md. — Eleven days after stepping into a higher ranking role at East Baltimore Development Inc., Andrew C. Freeman says he suddenly found himself unemployed.

The real estate executive, who identifies as white and Jewish, has filed a federal race discrimination lawsuit naming Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, East Baltimore Development Inc., Calvin Allen Young III, and the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, according to FOX45 News.

His complaint traces the dispute to a restructuring effort inside the nonprofit. Hired in January 2023, Freeman eventually moved into the position of vice president of real estate development after leadership changes reshaped the organization.

Less than two weeks after receiving that advancement, he was dismissed. Freeman argues the decision had nothing to do with qualifications, experience, or workplace results.

Karen Major Johnson, a Black executive who previously served as chief real estate officer, occupies a central place in the dispute. Her position was eliminated during the reorganization, leaving Freeman in a more prominent role.

According to the complaint, influential figures became unhappy with that arrangement. Concern allegedly grew after city leaders learned Johnson was no longer employed while he remained with the nonprofit.

Text messages cited by his representatives form a major part of the case. Those communications allegedly show EBDI President and CEO Cheryl Washington distancing herself from the decision and expressing disagreement with what occurred.

Another allegation focuses on actions taken by Young, who served as board chairman after receiving an appointment tied to Scott. The complaint accuses Young of directing the move that ultimately ended Freeman's employment.

Several passages describe conversations involving diversity initiatives and leadership representation. Race, the filing claims, became the deciding factor behind management decisions that affected his future with the organization.

Timing remains a major part of the dispute. Receiving a promotion and then losing employment less than two weeks later sits at the heart of the claims.

Documents submitted with the case describe involvement in redevelopment efforts across East Baltimore. The filing says Freeman participated in land transactions, negotiated major agreements, and contributed to projects that strengthened redevelopment activity throughout the area.

No ruling has been issued, and no judge has determined whether discrimination occurred. Allegations contained in the complaint remain contested and unproven.

Responses from Scott and the other defendants had not been issued when the filing became public. Future proceedings will determine how each side supports its version of events.

Compensation for lost income, emotional distress, reputational harm, attorney fees, punitive damages, and additional relief is being sought. The dispute is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.