Following numerous instances of discrimination against the disabled at an Orange County Barnes and Noble bookstore, equal rights advocates decide to boycott
In Orange, CA, following several incidents of discrimination against the disabled, advocates for the disabled have decided to boycott the Main Street Barnes and Noble Bookstore.
The group, calling itself Disability Rights Collective, has documented numerous incidents wherein the new management at that store has intimidated disabled customers who have done nothing wrong. Disabled persons have been charged higher amounts in the cafe than other customers and several have been told that they are not allowed to bring their service dogs into the store. They have been threatened with removal of their memberships for which they paid if they sit and read books for too long.
Hannah Bennett, a spokesperson for the group, said that the group does not have issues with other branches of the store. The problem seems to be a change in management. She said the new manager is extremely unfriendly and even rude towards disabled customers.. The groups plan is to frequent other branches of the store and to refrain from making purchases at the Orange Branch. Hannah said they do not wish to cause any problems for the chain but wish to make sure the offending store takes notice and changes its policies.
When asked what they expect, Hannah said that an official notice apologizing to disabled customers would be a good step in the right direction.
Original: Disability Group Protests Discriminatory Bookstore