Legal Question in Discrimination Law in New York

Denied Membership in a Private Club

I received a denial letter to a private club. There is no explanation of the denial. I belong to several clubs in my area and am an outstading citizen in my community. I heard through ''the grapevine'', that ''I am too pretty and popular'' and that they did not want me be a member. My questions are: can I get an explanation in writing for the denial and if so, do I have any legal rights to take further action? Thank you for any insight on this matter.


Asked on 6/09/06, 7:57 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Mark S. Moroknek Kelly & Curtis, PLLC.

Re: Denied Membership in a Private Club

I recently answered a similar question about discrimination towards a "pretty" person; you may find it under employment law.

However, "pretty and popular" isn't a protected category; those are age, gender, race, religion national origin and sexual orientation.

Anyway, this is not an employment situation and many discrimination statutes only provide protection with respect to the workplace,

housing, and action under color of law.

If you could show that the club was excluding

women or members of a certain minority that would be one thing; here you may just have grin and bear it.

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Answered on 6/09/06, 9:15 pm
Andrew Nitzberg Andrew Nitzberg & Associates

Re: Denied Membership in a Private Club

Private clubs were originally reachable under anti-discrimination because of the role played by such associations in business. In the absence of an impact on your career you must show that you are a member of a protected class.

Attractiveness is not recognized as a class; either (+) or (-).

This does not sound like a serious question to me.

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Answered on 6/13/06, 2:15 pm


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