DEMING, NM — The ACLU of New Mexico today announced a positive resolution to a discrimination complaint made by a group of LGBT customers against the Denny’s restaurant in Deming, NM. The complaint arose when the individuals alleged that they were refused service because of their sexual orientation and that the group was subjected to discriminatory verbal abuse. Jim Mathieu, the local franchise owner and operator of the Denny’s restaurant in Deming, engaged in settlement negotiations to show his support for the group and that the restaurant values all of its diverse customers.
“We are very pleased to have resolved this matter for our clients,” said Brian Moore, cooperating attorney for the ACLU of New Mexico. “It is clear to us that Denny’s is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed in their restaurants.”
“Denny’s does not tolerate any discrimination in our organization, and we take any claims to the contrary very seriously,” said Jim Mathieu, local franchise owner and operator of Denny’s in Deming, NM. “While we disagree with the specifics of the incident, our priority is on ensuring our guests are heard and therefore we worked diligently with Deming Pride and the ACLU of New Mexico to reach this resolution for all. We wish the best for our guests who were involved in this case.”
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Jim Mathieu has agreed to:
- Provide his employees with extra training on non-discrimination
- Confirm that company discrimination policies comply with state law
- Donate $13,000 to Deming Pride, a local non-profit and charity that promotes diversity and tolerance in the community
- Provide $3,250 to the woman who alleges she was verbally abused by a Denny’s employee.
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