Minnesota Teen Files Complaint After Harassment at Buffalo Wild Wings

An 18-year-old high school student is speaking out after a Buffalo Wild Wings server allegedly followed her into the women’s restroom and refused to stop harassing her until she unzipped her hoodie to “prove” she was female.

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Gender Justice Takes Legal Action

On Tuesday, August 12, the nonprofit Gender Justice filed a charge of discrimination with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) on behalf of Gerika Mudra.

Mudra, who is a biracial lesbian, was dining at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Owatonna when she went to use the restroom.

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Allegations of Public Harassment

In a video released by Gender Justice, Mudra said the server entered the restroom shouting, “This is a women’s restroom, the man needs to get out.”

Mudra recalled responding, “I am a lady,” but alleged that the server ordered her to leave.

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Forced to “Prove” Identity

Unsure how to react, Mudra said she eventually unzipped her sweatshirt, revealing the shirt underneath and showing she had breasts.

She claimed the server then left without apologizing.

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Emotional Impact and Avoidance of Public Bathrooms

Following the incident, Mudra stated she will not return to that Buffalo Wild Wings location and now feels uncomfortable using public restrooms anywhere.

Her stepmother, Shauna Otterness, said Mudra was targeted because of her appearance and didn’t fit the server’s idea of what a girl “should” look like.

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Broader Issues of Appearance-Based Discrimination

Gender Justice noted that Mudra’s experience reflects a broader climate of suspicion toward individuals who do not conform to narrow gender norms.

While she is not transgender, they emphasized that masculine-presenting queer women and gender-expansive people often face similar treatment.

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Legal Protections in Minnesota

Sara Jane Baldwin, senior staff attorney at Gender Justice, stated that Minnesota law clearly prohibits such discrimination in public spaces.

She said businesses must train staff, establish clear policies, and ensure customers are treated with dignity and respect.

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Raising Awareness and Encouraging Others

Mudra hopes her case will make others aware of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and encourage people to stand up for themselves if harassed.

“It’s okay to stick up for yourself and be comfortable with who you are,” she said.