Last Monday, the South Boston Police Department responded to a disturbance at the YMCA. Upon arrival, YMCA staff explained that the chairs for an exercise class were set up prior to the beginning of the class. 

One of the individuals arrived first but left the room briefly. During her absence, the second individual entered the room, found an empty chair, and sat down. 

When the first individual returned and found the second individual seated in what she believed was her spot, she became upset. Instead of choosing another chair, the first individual placed a chair directly beside the chair occupied by the second individual and refused to move.

The YMCA staff said this disrupted the class and they repeatedly asked the first individual to move her seat, but she refused and began recording them on her phone while accusing staff of racial bias. The YMCA staff advised the officers that they wanted the first individual to leave for the evening.

Officers then informed the woman she could be charged with trespassing if she didn’t leave.

On Sunday, the South Boston YMCA issued an apology for the incident.

 

The YMCA is committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and supported. The South Boston/Halifax County YMCA fell far short of this promise during a senior exercise class last week, and we offer our most sincere apology to Ms. Maria Spooner. We do not condone our center staff’s decision to call the police in this matter, nor is this consistent with our training and protocols. Ms. Spooner posed no threat, and we deeply regret the harm this action, along with the manner in which this situation was managed, has caused Ms. Spooner and the wider community.

Upon learning of the incident, our corporate office immediately launched a thorough investigation, connecting with everyone directly involved, including Ms. Spooner, as well as interviewing employees and class participants to gather a complete account of what transpired. We will continue to examine details with intentional focus on our policies and improvement. We are reviewing our approach to class reservations and seating, and we will implement additional training for all employees to better prepare them to resolve conflicts with respect, equity, and sensitivity.

While we work to improve, we are focused on taking meaningful steps to rebuild trust and foster healing at our Y and within the South Boston community. We are grateful to have an in-person meeting scheduled with Ms. Spooner and her son this week and to begin forging a pathway toward healing.