Elite Canadian members club is fined $26,000 for forcing autistic artist to ... trends now
A Canadian members club has been fined $26,000 for forcing an autistic artist to have a supervisor after he was caught going through another patron's bag.
The Granite Club in Toronto was hit with a lawsuit after slapping the restriction on Niam Jain, 20, when a customer claimed he was naked and growling while rifling through their belongings.
He and his mom Nina filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario over the incident in a locker room in 2020.
The watchdog has now ruled in favor of him, slamming the club for failing to accommodate his disability and failing to realize the common autistic behavior.
Artist Niam Jain, 20, filed a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario after he was told he would need to be supervised at all times while at The Granite Club of Toronto
The club has since been ordered to revoke the supervision requirement on Jain, improve its human rights training, and pay the damages of $26,000
'We felt this was undermining all of his achievements, his hard work, and his efforts to be independent,' his mother, Nina, said to CTV.
The club has been ordered to revoke the requirement for Jain to have a caregiver, put in other accommodations for Jain, improve its human rights training, and pay maximum damages of $26,000 ($35,000 CAD).
Set in the Bridle Path neighborhood of Toronto, The Granite Club, which was founded in 1875 and commands annual fees of $2,250 after a $22,500 joining fee, has stated that it is committed to providing an inclusive space for all members and intends to fully comply with the decision.
Jain had been a regular user of the club in the two years leading up to the incident. His family had been members since 2008.
In February 2020, member Andrew Gage testified how he witnessed Jain going through his personal belongings while naked and making strange noises in the club's locker room.
'We felt this was undermining all of his achievements, his hard work, and his efforts to be independent,' Niam's mother, Nina said during an interview
Niam Jain is young, talented, award winning, abstract artist living in Toronto. He also happens to have autism, and is, for the most part, non-verbal
Gage confronted Jain and accused him of inappropriate behavior.
Another member reported overhearing the confrontation and expressed concern that it could escalate into a physical altercation.
Gage stated to a manager that he, along with other members, had paid a substantial amount of money for their membership and did not expect this type of behavior in the dressing rooms.
Gage also threatened to contact the police if the situation was not addressed.
The club then conducted an internal investigation soliciting testimony from other members, staff, and the Jain family.
The Jains suggested alternative solutions such as implementing signage and providing a designated bench for Jain as part of his routine to avoid any potential disruptions to other members.
