A San Francisco resident has filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination at a local martial arts dojo. Farzin Shahidi, the plaintiff, claims that he was discriminated against by Lucy Halverson, owner of Gingko Kyudojo, due to his Iranian descent. The complaint was filed on December 13, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.
The lawsuit details a series of incidents where Shahidi alleges he was singled out for public ridicule and humiliation by Halverson and her assistant instructor, Bill Baldyga. According to the complaint, Shahidi was the only Iranian man regularly attending classes at Gingko Kyudojo, which is predominantly attended by White and East Asian patrons. Despite this diversity, Shahidi claims he faced discriminatory treatment that others did not. On August 15, 2024, Shahidi's ability to practice Kyudo in San Francisco came to an abrupt end when Halverson dismissed him from the dojo following a minor vehicle collision dispute with Baldyga. Shahidi contends that this act was unjustified and rooted in discrimination.
Shahidi has practiced Kyudo for seven years and invested significantly in equipment and training trips to Japan. He asserts that Halverson's actions have caused him substantial financial harm and emotional distress. The complaint cites multiple instances where Shahidi was allegedly targeted for activities other students engaged in without consequence. For example, during a workshop in New Mexico led by Halverson in September 2023, Shahidi claims he was reprimanded for assisting a beginner student while another student of Chinese descent received no such admonishment for similar actions.
The legal action brought forth by Shahidi seeks declaratory relief under the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Civ. Code § 51(b)), which prohibits discrimination based on race or national origin in business establishments. The plaintiff argues that Halverson's behavior constituted unlawful discrimination and resulted in significant damages including emotional distress and financial losses related to his inability to continue practicing Kyudo locally.
In his prayer for relief, Shahidi requests actual damages as well as special and punitive damages under California law. He also seeks statutory damages pursuant to Civ. Code § 52(a), attorney's fees and costs, along with preliminary and permanent injunctions preventing further discriminatory practices at Gingko Kyudojo. Additionally, he asks for a declaratory judgment affirming that the Unruh Civil Rights Act applies to defendants' actions.
Representing Farzin Shahidi are attorneys Dan Siegel and Emilyrose Johns from Siegel Yee Brunner & Mehta along with Jeff Wozniak from Law Offices of Jeff Wozniak. The case is presided over by judges at the Superior Court of California under Case ID CGC-24-620853.