In August I went shopping for a funeral dress, my father was in hospice care in a nursing home and not expected to live. I went to the Stein Mart Store at 290 MeyerLand Plaza, Houston Texas 77096. I looked at Dresses/suits in the womens department I did not try any clothing on.
My 17 yr old daughter came into the store she was at another store nearby. We went to the shoe department and looked at shoes and decided to leave the store.
Before leaving we stopped to look at purses. I was approached by a black male (Allan Isugizo) asking If I required assistance? I informed him no we were doing ok, his response was "well I am going to stay here? I asked him if there was a problem, and his response was I dont like some of the activity that has gone on here" I asked if there was a problem and he again rudly informed me that he did not like some of the activity that was going on I asked to speak with the manager, and I offered to allow Mr Isugizo to search my purse which he refused.
I had been awake most of the night talking with family members regarding my fathers condition and I was dressed in blue jeans sandles and a casual T shirt. I did appear fatigued and had no make up on.
Was this the reason for being detained? Does our society always judge others on appearance? Obviously Stein Mart Stores does.
My daughter & I then met with the manager on duty Luben Garcia who is no longer employed. Mr Isugizo would not allow me to speak with Mr Garcia privately. I had to repeatly ask him to leave the area. This action transpired infront of other customers in the store which very embarassing and humiliating. I then informed Mr Garcia I was calling my attorney and would pursue legal action. After such time Mr Garcia offered 50% off any item in the store. "to forget the whole episode"?? I was shocked and informed the store I will pursue legal action. I was informed by Mr. Garcia that Allan Isugizo is not a off duty police officer but a securtiy emplyee of Stein-Mart. I was told that someone from the store would contact me regarding this matter.
Guess what? No contact from Stein Mart. On 9/4/01 I contacted the store speaking with Tina Scruggs she had no knowledge of the incident and the general manager Teresa Leonard was on vaction for the week. I was told to contact Mark Faust security manager, he was not in the Houston area and I left a message. And again no return call.
On 9/12/01 I again contacted Teresa Leonard she had no knoweldge of the incident and Mr Isugiszo is still employed. I was told to contact Corporate Securty/Joe Matinolich 1/800/334/6915 ext 1476 he was rude abrupt and said he reviewed the survalliance video reagrding the day in question and sees no fault. I again called Ms Leonard the General Manager and she stated she would re-investigate the matter. AND TO NO SUPRISE I HAVE NO RESPONSE.
I question if I were black as Mr Isugizo would this incdent have occured? Or If I were dressed in business attaire which I am during the work week would I have been detained & embarressed? If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to help. I just dont want this type of unfair treatment to continue with others.
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