Black Woman Sues Louisiana Restaurant Over Alleged Discrimination

Y’Mine McClanahan, a Black woman and former vice president of the Baton Rouge NAACP chapter, has filed a lawsuit against Stab’s Prime Steak and Seafood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, alleging racial discrimination after being refused service on July 23, 2024. McClanahan claims she was denied entry due to a “revealing” outfit—a floral skirt and crop top—despite having worn it there before and observing white patrons and staff dressed similarly. She argues that her attire did not violate the restaurant’s stated dress code—“business casual” with restrictions on gym wear and overly revealing clothing—and cited social media photos of patrons wearing more revealing outfits. The incident left her feeling humiliated and violated, prompting her to seek a jury trial and compensatory damages for civil rights violations, discrimination, and negligence. Her attorneys emphasized the case’s importance in challenging selective enforcement of dress codes. The restaurant maintains its dress code has been in place for over three years and is applied regularly, while acknowledging ongoing efforts to adjust uniform standards to match customer expectations. McClanahan’s experience has ignited broader concerns about discriminatory practices in public establishments.