The Chicago White Sox organization has come under fire in recent days, being accused of discriminatory practices that prevent disabled fans from having equal access to ADA seating. In a glaring example of unequal access, two long-time Sox fans have filed a lawsuit against the team in collaboration with Access Living, an advocacy group for individuals living with disabilities, according to FOX 32 Chicago. The lawsuit alleges that the White Sox fail to offer the same season ticket opportunities for guests needing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) seating.
Plaintiffs Douglas McCormick and Ralph Yaniz claim that ADA accessible season tickets on the team's website aren't available for purchase, and only a limited amount of season tickets are made available over the phone. This discriminatory practice has angered the two fans, who simply want to be able to go online and purchase seats like everyone else.
McCormick and Yaniz believe that the solution is simple: the White Sox need to offer season tickets for wheelchair accessible seats on its website and all other methods of ticket purchase. "Go back to the old system," McCormick said, "I would be able to go online a couple hours before the game, you hit the filter button, you could see what's accessible, you could buy your ticket and you go to the game", per ABC 7 Chicago. According to the plaintiffs, this change would require no significant reconfiguration of the stadium or undertaking any expensive endeavors.
As a reminder, the ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, in all areas of public life, encompassing jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public, as stated in The ADA National Network. Yaniz and McCormick argue that the White Sox's current practices are in direct violation of this law, making it a matter of far-reaching significance in the struggle for equal access and a society free from discrimination.
The lawsuit also claims that similar practices are being followed for single-game tickets, further exacerbating the discrimination faced by disabled fans. This accusation represents another layer to a story that, at its core, is about equal access and opportunities for all fans of the sport, regardless of their physical abilities or the assistance they may require.
In response to the lawsuit, the White Sox released a statement expressing disappointment and reiterating their commitment to accommodating the needs of all fans. "The White Sox comply with all legal requirements and provide significant accessible seating at our games for our guests. We strongly believe that White Sox baseball is for everyone", as mentioned by ABC 7 Chicago.
