In a compelling case that highlights the ongoing issues of racial discrimination, a Baton Rouge woman has filed a lawsuit against a local restaurant for allegedly denying her service based on race. On April 18, 2025, Y'Mine McClanahan filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana against Stab’s Prime LLC, doing business as Stab’s Prime Steak and Seafood.
The incident in question occurred on July 23, 2024, when McClanahan visited Stab’s Prime Steak and Seafood for lunch but was refused service. McClanahan, who is Black and served as Vice President of the Baton Rouge NAACP chapter at the time, was asked to leave due to an alleged "dress code violation." However, she noted that white patrons and employees were dressed similarly or even more casually than she was. This public act of discrimination left McClanahan feeling humiliated and violated her rights under Title II of the Civil Rights Act and Louisiana state law.
McClanahan's attire—a modest floral top and ankle-length skirt—had been previously worn without issue at another location owned by Stab’s Prime LLC. Despite this consistency in dress, co-owner Dori Murvin denied her entry based on what was described as a violation of their "business casual" dress code. The policy explicitly banned items such as gym wear and tank tops but did not apply to McClanahan's outfit. She pointed out that other patrons and even staff members wore clothing that seemed to contravene the stated policy without consequence.
The lawsuit argues that Stab’s selectively enforced its dress code policy in a discriminatory manner against McClanahan while allowing white patrons with similar or more revealing attire to dine without issue. The plaintiff seeks declaratory relief, compensatory damages, attorney fees, costs associated with the case, and any further relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Y'Mine McClanahan are attorneys William Most and David Lanser from Most & Associates in New Orleans. The case is presided over by Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes with Case ID 3:25-cv-00328-EWD-SDJ.