AB
Alexis Baumunk
Jun 15, 2026
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Denial of Service and Apparent Sexual Orientation Discrimination – June 14, 2026
To Whom It May Concern,
On June 14, 2026, my wife and I visited the Enterprise Rent-A-Car location at 859 Boston Providence Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062. We arrived after confirming our rental reservation and pricing with an Enterprise representative prior to coming to the branch.
During our interaction, after I referred to my spouse as my wife, the store manager, James Sturtz, stated that he was "uncomfortable" and refused to provide us with rental services. When I asked for an explanation as to why we were being denied service, he refused to provide a legitimate reason and instead contacted the police.
At no point did either of us raise our voices, use profanity, threaten anyone, or engage in disruptive conduct. The branch's lobby cameras should confirm the nature of the interaction. The responding police officers, as well as customers who witnessed the incident, appeared confused as to why service was being denied. We were later informed that Mr. Sturtz told police that there was a disagreement regarding price; however, our rental price had already been confirmed by Enterprise before our arrival, and pricing was never the basis of any dispute.
As a result of this denial of service, we were unable to obtain a rental vehicle. Because the incident occurred on a Sunday, most alternative rental locations were either closed or located an unreasonable distance away, causing significant inconvenience and distress.
After reviewing public reviews of this location, I observed allegations that another minority couple was refused service approximately one month earlier and that police were also called in that matter. If accurate, this raises serious concerns regarding a possible pattern of discriminatory conduct at this branch and whether Enterprise was aware of prior complaints involving similar behavior.
My wife and I have valid driver's licenses, excellent driving records, strong credit histories, and no criminal records. Based on the circumstances, we are deeply concerned that we were denied service because of our sexual orientation and marital status as a same-sex married couple.
The conduct described above may implicate protections under, among other laws:
• The Massachusetts Public Accommodations Law, M.G.L. Chapter 272, Sections 92A and 98, which generally prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation based on sexual orientation and other protected characteristics.
• The Massachusetts Equal Rights Act, M.G.L. Chapter 93, Section 102.
• The Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 93A, to the extent unfair or discriminatory business practices occurred.
• Any other applicable federal, state, or local civil rights and anti-discrimination laws.
We request that Enterprise immediately investigate this incident, preserve all video footage, audio recordings, employee communications, rental records, and other evidence related to this matter, and provide a response regarding the outcome of its investigation.
We expect to be contacted no later than Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to discuss how Enterprise intends to address this situation. If we do not receive a response, we will evaluate all available options, including filing complaints with the appropriate civil rights agencies and consulting legal counsel regarding potential legal claims.
We look forward to your prompt response.
Sincerely,
Alexis Baumunk
Victoria Baumunk