The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) has initiated an investigation into an alleged discriminatory incident at Boston's Liberty Hotel, stemming from an uncomfortable encounter that a same-sex couple experienced last month. The couple, reported by WCVB, claimed that they were kicked out of the hotel after a security guard mistook one of them for a man in the women's bathroom and forced them to produce identification.
The incident, which unfolded at the hotel during a Kentucky Derby watch party, was first made public in early May; Liz Victor and Ansley Baker alleged that a security guard entered the women's restroom, banged on the stall doors, and demanded, "No men are allowed," a situation that Baker described as her "worst nightmare coming true," in a statement obtained by CBS News Boston. The hotel initially released a statement, subsequently retracted, suggesting the guard's action was prompted by reports of two adults sharing a bathroom stall, however the women have repeatedly denied these claims.
In a swift response to the burgeoning controversy and public scrutiny, the Liberty Hotel moved to terminate the security guard's employment and issued an apology, acknowledging the employee's conduct as "beyond regrettable," as stated in a follow-up press release. The hotel has also pledged to conduct sensitivity training for its employees and make a donation to a local LGBTQ+ organization, actions which they outlined in a statement on their Instagram account less than two weeks following the incident.
The thoroughness of the hotel's remediation plan, as well as the swiftness of the MCAD's engagement, spotlights a proactive stance on discrimination, especially given the commission's rare step of self-initiating an investigation, as expressed by the couple's attorney, Lenny Kesten, to WCVB; the commission could impose fines or other punishments pending the outcome of their investigation which seeks to address the civil rights implications of the case as well as the broader public concern it has invoked.
Aside from the state's involvement, Massachusetts state Rep. Jeff Roy also commented on the case, highlighting the demeaning nature of the experience Baker faced and underscoring it as a denial of basic rights. Meanwhile, the Liberty Hotel has expressed its intentions to reach out and make amends with Baker and Victor, promising efforts towards creating an environment where "everyone is welcome and celebrated," a move which might suggest a pursuit of healing as much as damage control, according to both CBS News Boston and WCVB.
