UPPER WEST SIDE — Jean Dorsey knows more than a little about discrimination.
The Upper West Sider, 75, grew up in New York City at a time when she wasn't allowed to sit at certain lunch counters, but eventually learned how to fight for civil rights from her mother.
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Dorsey has put those lessons to use her whole life — from pushing for job opportunities to protecting affordable housing in the neighborhood.
But it was her most recent battle that took her by complete surprise. Last February, she and other rent-regulated tenants from her West 97th Street building learned they wouldn't be allowed to use a new lobby-level gym reserved only for market-rate tenants.
After local elected officials joined the fight, Dorsey and others stepped up their response by filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.
DNAinfo caught up with Dorsey to learn more about her progress.
We want to hear your reactions. Should rent-regulated and market-rate tenants have equal access to amenities? What can we do to bolster affordable housing? Let us know in the comments below and on our Facebook page.
If you missed last week's episode, check it out here.