Waiter Sues Florida Hotel For Accommodating Racist Family

April 27, 2010

A Haitian-born waiter at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida is suing the hotel and one of its managers for allegedly accommodating a family who requested they not be helped by minorities or staff with accents.

Lawyers for 40-year-old Wadner Tranchant filed the lawsuit in Florida’s Middle District of U.S. Court in Fort Myers

Tranchant, a U.S. citizen, says supervisors prevented him from serving the family during their lengthy stay last month. He is seeking damages exceeding $75,000, and claims the hotel’s compliance with the request created a hostile and abusive work environment.

A spokesman says the family isn’t welcome to return, and the hotel has policies preventing discrimination and harassment.