Story Archive

This Ban’s Ignoble

Omar Amin, 73, says he went to his local Barnes & Noble store in Scottsdale, Ariz., looking for books for his grandkids, but store employee Todd Voris “escorted me out as a potential sex offender.” The explanation he received: “Men alone cannot be by themselves in the children’s area.” Other stores had supposedly had problems with sex offenders, and another shopper — a woman — had complained. In response to a complaint letter, the company promised an investigation, but a B&N spokeswoman told the press: “We have no comment on the store matter you called about. We believe we acted appropriately.” Amin said the matter isn’t being taken seriously and he may sue. Amin, who earned his U.S. citizenship 45 years ago and his doctorate 44 years ago, specializes professionally in infectious disease. (AC/Arizona Republic) ...Voris, on the other hand, specializes professionally in invidious discrimination.