1 /5 Jun: Formal Complaint Regarding Racial Profiling
RESPONSE TO THE OWNER:
I’ll take it a step further—I’ll be reaching out directly to Circle K, the brand you’re supposed to represent. It’s clear that there’s a pattern of racial profiling by Alex that has gone completely unchecked. On top of that, your manager clearly has no regard for how she represents the company. I’m confident Circle K would be very interested to hear how their customers are being treated under your supervision.
Formal Complaint Regarding Racial Profiling and Misconduct by Overnight Employee and Manager.
I am writing to formally report a disturbing and discriminatory incident that occurred at this store during the early morning hours. I was subjected to a false and humiliating accusation by the overnight employee, and the response from her manager, Isha, was equally disappointing and dismissive.
Here is exactly what happened:
I entered your store with my young daughter. She used the women’s restroom while I went into the men’s. I told her to wait for me if she finished before I did. Afterward, we got two fountain drinks and proceeded to the counter to pay. The only employee present—a white, blonde, older-looking woman—was visibly observing us the entire time. A man walked in shortly before we paid, engaged in small talk with her, and lingered until we were ready to leave. He then held the door open as I exited with my daughter.
As we got into the car, a police officer who had been parked at the fuel pump approached me. He stated that someone had called to report that I went into the bathroom with my daughter. I was shocked and offended by this baseless accusation. I explained the situation to the officer, who then said he would speak to the store employee. When he returned, he contradicted himself—first claiming someone had called, then claiming he didn’t know who made the report. Ultimately, he told me I was free to go.
Let me be clear: if the store employee genuinely believed there was an issue, she could have easily verified the facts by reviewing the store’s surveillance footage. Instead, she chose to weaponize law enforcement against me, a clear act of racial profiling, and one that could have escalated unnecessarily.
Later that day around noon, I called the manager, Isha, to report what happened. Rather than express concern or offer an apology, she immediately became defensive. When I explained the situation, her response was simply, “Well, if the police didn’t arrest you, then everything is fine.” This level of indifference is unacceptable. There was no acknowledgment of wrongdoing, no remorse, and certainly no accountability.
I strongly believe this happened because I am Hispanic. The employee’s actions and the manager’s response reflect a disturbing lack of respect for minority customers. After reading several online reviews, it’s apparent that this location has a pattern of racially profiling individuals.
This experience was not only offensive—it was dehumanizing. I am demanding a full investigation into this matter and expect a formal apology. Customers should never be made to feel criminalized or targeted based on their appearance or ethnicity. I hope the owner of this establishment reaches out to me.
