Fresno Grizzlies Accused of Unruh Civil Rights Act Violation in Ladies Night Promotion
A lawsuit filed in March alleges that the Fresno Grizzlies violated the Unruh Civil Rights Act during a Ladies Night promotional event that took place on May 25th last year when the Grizzlies faced off against the Stockton Ports.
The 23-page complaint claims that the Grizzlies violated the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on age, race, religion, disability, sex, or sexual orientation. Legal Analyst Kevin Little explained that such promotions can be risky in terms of legal challenges, especially when they provide differential entry fees based on gender.
The plaintiffs in the case are Christine Johnson and Harry Crouch. The complaint states that Crouch paid $18 to enter the stadium, while Johnson was admitted for free. They are now seeking $5 million in damages.
“But if as the complaint indicates, it was an event that was promoted as providing a differential entry fee for men versus women, it would presumptively violate the Unruh,” said Little.
The Fresno Grizzlies have declined to comment on the lawsuit. In addition to being a plaintiff in the case, Crouch is also the President of the National Coalition for Men’s Board of Directors. Action News reached out to the group multiple times, but no one answered their calls.
According to the organization’s website, it is “committed to ending harmful discrimination and stereotypes against boys, men, their families, and the women who love them.”
Action News also attempted to contact Alfred Rava, the lawyer representing Johnson and Crouch in the case, both by email and phone, but did not receive a response.
Little emphasized that there are measures businesses can take to protect themselves from these types of lawsuits. Instead of offering promotions that provide reduced or free admission based on gender, businesses can opt for alternative approaches such as offering a Mother’s Day gift basket to the first 2000 entrants.
To view the complaint, click here.
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