WHAS11 has a story that aired on Sept. 17, 2007 and is available on line addressing a lawsuit filed against a local restaurant claiming a civil rights violation by a customer with cerebral palsey. According to this story by reporter Joe Arnold entitled "Local eatery faces allegations of discrimination"
A popular restaurant is facing allegations of discrimination.
The civil lawsuit was filed a week and a half ago, claiming that 28-year-old Corey Nett’s civil rights were violated last month at the Bristol Bar & Grille.
Nett is an administrative assistant in the county attorney's office. He has cerebral palsy, which profoundly impacts his speech.
I [Joe Arnold]spoke with Nett Monday in his hospital room where he is seeking treatment for physical pain from his cerebral palsy. But we talked about emotional pain.
“I was in shock. I was mad. Upset,” he says.
Nett says he and two friends had just ordered their waters when the manager approached their table, saying Nett’s voice was bothering other customers. “And asked us to move to the back, or leave.”
The entire story AND the video news story can be accessed at the WHAS11 web site.
The lawsuit was filed by Kevin Jaggers -
"I hope every restaurant, I hope every business, I hope every person in Louisville takes notice, and not just for disability, but for all persons protected by the Civil Rights Act," says Kevin Jaggers, Nett's attorney.
However, of note to me was the following in which Joe Arnold just might end up not only reporting the news but becoming a witness in the case describing the pain and suffering of Mr. Nett as a result of this claim.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for emotional distress, humiliation and mental anguish, plus punitive damages. Corey Nett may have difficulty speaking, but his pain today, a month and a half later, is beyond words.
