Boston Hotel Resolves Discrimination Case; Plaintiff Plans to Sue
Ansley Baker has announced plans to take legal action against the Liberty Hotel following an incident of alleged discrimination. Attorney Lenny Kesten confirmed that a lawsuit will be filed in Suffolk Superior Court. This decision comes after the hotel made an initial statement, which it has since retracted, claiming Baker and her girlfriend, Liz Victor, violated hotel policy.
Incident at Liberty Hotel
The controversy began when Baker and Victor were ejected from a restroom at the Liberty Hotel during a Kentucky Derby-themed event in May. According to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), a security guard questioned Baker about her gender while she was in the women’s restroom. After Baker identified herself with her ID, the guard continued to escort both women from the premises.
MCAD Involvement
MCAD filed a complaint against the hotel in June, asserting that the incident violated Baker and Victor’s civil rights. The chairwoman of MCAD, Sunila Thomas George, stated that the couple faced demeaning treatment that left them emotionally distressed and humiliated. “They were denied services and falsely accused of actions they did not commit,” George remarked.
- Incident date: May 2023
- Complaint filed: June 2023
- Complaint filed by: Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
Hotel Response and Commitment to Change
A spokesperson from the Liberty Hotel indicated their commitment to resolving the matter through improved practices. Over the past five months, the hotel has worked with MCAD to enhance its policies and provide staff training. The hotel has acknowledged the need for sensitivity training and has expressed regret over the incident.
Liberty Hotel General Manager Mark Fischer stated, “We deeply regret that our initial statement may have created unintended impressions.” However, attorney Kesten believes this incident was a deliberate attack on Baker and Victor. He expressed skepticism about the hotel’s intentions to apologize adequately.
Future Steps and Legal Action
Baker and Victor initially sought an apology and a refund but indicated their intention to pursue further legal action. Kesten emphasized that accountability is necessary for all responsible parties. The situation exemplifies ongoing challenges for the LGBTQ+ community in public spaces, especially regarding gender identity and rights.
MCAD’s executive director, Michael Memmolo, commented on the importance of the case in today’s political climate, reinforcing the organization’s mission to uphold rights against discrimination and hold businesses accountable. He stated, “Our mission is to create a Commonwealth where discrimination is not only addressed but actively prevented.”
The Liberty Hotel continues to express its commitment to ensuring that all guests feel welcome and respected as they work to amend relations with the affected parties.
