Kansas City hotel employee fired for racially offensive doll

An employee who hung a racially offensive doll from a doorway in the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Kansas City was fired, according to a statement from the hotel.

A photo of the doll, apparently taken on July 21, has circulated on social media this week after it was posted by Stacy Shaw, a Kansas City attorney. Shaw posted the photo to her Twitter page on Monday, and it has since gained attention across the country.

The doll appears to be hung by a plastic bag from a doorway in an employee area in the hotel. Hotel management said it learned of the incident the day after it occurred and fired the employee on July 24, before the employee could begin another work shift.

John Parker, general manager of Adam’s Mark Hotel Kansas City, at 9103 E. 39th St. near the Truman Sports Complex, released this statement about the incident:

“This isolated incident is completely inconsistent with the values and culture of the Adam’s Mark Hotel Kansas City. This disturbing occurrence took place late Tuesday evening, July 21st. When brought to the attention of management the following day, an investigation was initiated. Immediately following the investigation, the employee was terminated Friday, July 24th, prior to the start of their next shift. The Adam’s Mark Kansas City is committed to maintaning a positive work environment free of unlawful harassment.”

Ian Cummings, icummings@kcstar.com

This story was originally published July 30, 2015 at 6:28 PM with the headline "Kansas City hotel employee fired for racially offensive doll."