Boston Hotel Resolves Bias Case; Woman Plans to Sue, Says Lawyer
An incident at the Liberty Hotel has activated a bias case involving two women, Ansley Baker and Liz Victor. The attorney for Baker, Lenny Kesten, has confirmed that Baker intends to file a lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court.
Background of the Incident
In May, Baker and Victor were involuntarily ejected from the hotel restroom. A security guard confronted Baker regarding her gender, despite her presenting identification that confirmed she is female. According to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), the guard failed to rectify the situation and continued to remove the couple from the premises.
Initial Statements and Reactions
Following the incident, the Liberty Hotel issued a statement implying that Baker and Victor violated hotel policy by being in a stall together. However, this claim has since been disavowed by the hotel. Kesten has stated that they initially sought an apology and a refund for their entry fee to an event but are now seeking further accountability.
Actions Taken by the Hotel
- The Liberty Hotel engaged with the MCAD over the past five months to address the issue.
- The hotel has agreed to ongoing staff sensitivity training.
- Management has expressed regret over the public perception created by their initial statements.
MCAD’s Involvement
The MCAD’s involvement initiated a formal complaint in June against the hotel. This complaint highlights the incident as a serious violation of civil rights. MCAD chairwoman Sunila Thomas George emphasized that this incident left Baker and Victor emotionally shaken and falsely accused.
Ongoing Legal Considerations
Baker plans to move forward with her lawsuit despite the hotel’s efforts to resolve the issue. Kesten believes there must be accountability for those responsible for the initial harmful statements made about Baker and Victor.
Management’s Commitment to Inclusivity
General manager Mark Fischer has reiterated the hotel’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all guests, stating that no individual should ever face disrespect. He acknowledged that the hotel’s actions fell short of this standard.
Community Response and Future Actions
In light of this incident, the Liberty Hotel aims to reinforce its practices and ensure better treatment of all customers, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. They recognize the importance of sensitivity training and have begun implementing solutions to prevent such incidents in the future.
This case serves as a reminder regarding the importance of protecting individual rights and fostering inclusivity in all public establishments.
