Vanessa opened her folder with trembling hands. Inside was a printout of security footage timestamped from the previous day showing her interaction with Alicia at the counter. Beside it were transcripts of conversations including Chad's window shopper comment.
"As you can see," Alicia said, pressing a button that brought a large screen to life at the front of the room. "I've reviewed not only my own experience, but the experiences of others." The screen displayed a compilation of security footage showing similar interactions with other customers, primarily people of color, who received markedly different treatment than white customers who entered the store.
"This was not just discrimination," Alicia stated, her voice now edged with steel. "It was willful sabotage of my investment. Prestige has settled three discrimination lawsuits in the past two years alone, a fact that was disclosed during the acquisition process. What wasn't disclosed was that the behavior continued unabated."
Chad shifted uncomfortably in his seat before suddenly standing up. "This is entrapment," he blurted out. "You tricked us. You came in looking like..." "Like what, Mr. Thompson?" Alicia cut him off. "Like someone who deserves less respect? Like someone who doesn't belong in a luxury establishment? Please finish your thought."
Chad faltered, his face flushing red. "I gave each of you a chance to be decent human beings," Alicia continued. "Not a single one of you, with the exception of Maya, showed basic courtesy or professional respect. You failed not just as employees, but as people."
She turned to Vanessa, whose face had hardened into a mask of barely contained rage. "Ms. Whitfield, as store manager, you set the tone for this establishment. The culture of discrimination evident here reflects directly on your leadership." Alicia nodded to one of the lawyers, who slid a document across the table to Vanessa. "You're terminated, effective immediately. Security will escort you to collect your personal belongings."
Vanessa stared at the termination papers in disbelief. "You can't do this. I've been with Prestige for 10 years." "Nine years, seven months," Alicia corrected. "During which time customer complaints about discriminatory treatment increased by 68% under your management."
She turned to Chad. "Mr. Thompson, you're also terminated. Your comments yesterday violated at least six provisions of the company's anti-discrimination policy." Chad's face contorted with fury. "This is bull..." "I suggest you leave with dignity," Alicia interrupted, nodding to the security personnel who had moved to flank the two fired employees. "Unless you'd prefer to have this conversation continue in the presence of the labor board representatives who are meeting with my team this afternoon."
As security began escorting them out, Vanessa turned back, her eyes locked on Alicia. "You'll regret this." She hissed under her breath. "You have no idea what you've started." After they were gone, a heavy silence fell over the room.
The remaining staff members sat frozen, eyes downcast, waiting for the axe to fall on them as well. Alicia moved slowly around the table until she stood in front of Maya, who looked up with wide fearful eyes. "Maya Jenkins." Alicia said, her tone softer. "You've been with Prestige for 7 months as an intern, correct?"