Fighting for your civil rights.

Discrimination is not limited to the workplace. Missouri law protects individuals from being denied access, services, or equal treatment in places open to the public — including businesses, restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, and other public accommodations.

Discrimination in public accommodations occurs when a person is treated differently, excluded, harassed, or denied services because of a protected characteristic. These violations are unlawful and undermine basic civil rights.

At Baldwin & Vernon Trial Attorneys, we represent individuals in Kansas City and throughout Missouri and Kansas who were subjected to unlawful discrimination in public accommodations. Our practice is grounded in litigation and courtroom advocacy, with a focus on holding businesses and institutions accountable when they violate the law.

What Are Public Accommodations?

Public accommodations generally include businesses and organizations that offer goods or services to the public, such as:

• Restaurants, bars, and retail stores

• Hotels and lodging facilities

• Medical offices and healthcare providers

• Gyms, entertainment venues, and theaters

• Transportation services

• Educational or service-based establishments open to the public

When these entities choose to serve the public, they are legally required to do so without discrimination.

Types of Discrimination in Public Accommodations

Discrimination in public accommodations may involve:

• Refusal of service

• Unequal or delayed service

• Harassment or hostile treatment

• Denial of access to facilities

• Segregation or exclusion

• Retaliation for objecting to discriminatory conduct

These actions may be overt or subtle, but both can violate Missouri and federal civil rights laws.

Protected Characteristics Under Missouri Law

Missouri law prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on protected characteristics, which may include:

• Race or color

• Sex or gender

• Disability

• National origin or ancestry

• Religion

• Other legally protected classifications

Discrimination can occur even when it is justified by a business as “policy,” “security,” or “customer preference.” When those explanations are used to mask unlawful conduct, legal action may be appropriate.

Disability Discrimination in Public Accommodations

Disability discrimination is a common form of public accommodations discrimination. This may include:

• Denial of access due to physical barriers

• Refusal to provide reasonable modifications

• Harassment or exclusion based on a disability

• Failure to accommodate service animals

Businesses open to the public are required to provide equal access and reasonable accommodations. Failure to do so may violate both state and federal law.

Missouri Civil Rights Protections

The Missouri Human Rights Act and related civil rights laws protect individuals from discrimination in public accommodations. These claims often require careful factual investigation, documentation, and legal analysis.

Public accommodations cases may involve private businesses, corporate entities, healthcare providers, or other institutions. Holding them accountable often requires litigation experience and readiness to present the case in court.

At Baldwin & Vernon Trial Attorneys, we approach public accommodations discrimination cases with the same trial-focused preparation as employment and retaliation matters.

Why Trial Experience Matters in Civil Rights Cases

Civil rights violations are frequently denied or minimized by businesses and institutions. Without serious litigation pressure, accountability is often avoided.

Our firm prepares public accommodations discrimination cases as if they will be tried before a jury. That preparation shapes how evidence is gathered, how narratives are built, and how defendants respond.

Trial experience matters when fundamental rights are at stake.

If you were denied access, services, or equal treatment in a public place because of discrimination, you may have legal options.

Baldwin & Vernon Trial Attorneys represents individuals across Kansas City and Missouri in civil rights and public accommodations discrimination cases.