Iowa appeals court rules in favor of hotel clerk who didn't have 'Midwestern girl look'

A federal appeals court has ruled an Iowa hotel clerk who claims she was fired because she wasn't pretty enough can sue the hotel where she worked.

The Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday reversed a lower court decision dismissing Brenna Lewis' lawsuit against Heartland Inns of America.

Lewis, who describes herself as "slightly more masculine," claims she was fired in 2007 from the company's Ankeny hotel for not conforming to sexual stereotypes and for questioning recent policy changes.

Records show Heartland's director of operations, Barbara Cullinan, approved Lewis' hiring over the phone but after seeing Lewis said she was not a good fit because she lacked the "Midwestern girl look."

Telephone messages left Friday for Lewis and Cullinan were not immediately returned.

-- Associated Press