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Family: Teen kicked out of Starbucks in Henderson because of disability

15-year-old suffers from Tourette's Syndrome
Posted at 6:26 PM, Dec 11, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-11 23:44:19-05

HENDERSON (KTNV) — A local 15-year-old believes he was discriminated against at a Starbucks store because of his disability.

Alex Mitchell suffers from Tourette's Syndrome - a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations known as tics.

His mother says it's because of this he was asked to leave a Starbucks in Henderson and not return.

"Alex told me he was kicked out and I asked him if he explained his diagnosis?" Alex's mother Chrystal Ricciardo said. "Alex said he did but they made us leave."

The 15-year-old's family said Alex is not trying to offend anyone.

"He can't go to school, church, a movie, or the grocery store without negative attention on him," Ricciardo said.

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. That's why Alex's mom was outraged when she thought her son was being treated unfairly.

"It hurts his feelings. He sees the stares. The eye rolls. The shrugged shoulders. Just please try and accept him like everyone else," Ricciardo said.

Starbucks released a statement:

We are committed to an environment where everyone is welcome, respected, and valued, including our customers with disabilities and we strive to ensure our stores are accessible and inclusive to everyone who visits. Our local leadership is reaching out to connect to the customers regarding their experience.
Starbucks

"I want them to know that I'm not trying to offend anyone. I'm not talking to a certain person. It's just me. It's just who I am," Alex said.

A spokesperson from Starbucks followed up on this report and informed 13 Action News that Alex is not banned from any store and welcomed back at the Henderson location.