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Coffee Shop Posts Photo of Congressman After Bathroom Request
A New York coffee shop posted a security photo and message on Instagram criticizing a customer who used its restroom. The post referenced political views and stated the shop does not serve certain groups. A federal civil rights official announced an investigation into the post.
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A New York City coffee shop posted a security camera image of a customer on Instagram hours after he used its restroom and bought coffee. The caption accused the customer of supporting policies the shop opposes and stated it does not serve several listed categories of people.
The customer is Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), who was identified in the post. He had entered the shop with his daughter, asked permission to use the restroom, ordered coffee, and left a tip.
General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon stated on X that her office opened an investigation. She wrote that federal law prohibits public accommodations from discriminating against patrons based on race, religion, or national origin.
Greenwald posted that the same principle applied in the 2017 Supreme Court case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission should protect the coffee shop. The case involved a baker who declined to create a custom cake for a same-sex wedding but offered other items.
The shop's post did not reference any request for a written message on a cup or product. It responded to the customer's presence and political record.
