Posted on 12/14/2007 6:38:14 PM PST by NormsRevenge
PHILADELPHIA - A small sign that asked customers to order in English at a famous cheesesteak shop was never meant to be offensive, the shop's owner testified Friday at a hearing to decide whether the policy was discriminatory.
Joe Vento, the owner of Geno's Steaks, defended his policy before the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, which filed the discrimination complaint.
"This country is a melting pot, but what makes it work is the English language," Vento told the commission. "I'm not stupid. I would never put a sign out to hurt my business."
Vento posted two small signs in October 2005 at his shop in a diverse South Philadelphia neighborhood, telling customers, "This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING PLEASE 'SPEAK ENGLISH.'"
He said Friday that he posted the sign because of concerns over the debate on immigration reform and the increasing number of people from the area who could not order in English.
Camille Charles, a sociology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, testified that Vento's signs harken back to the "Whites only" postings of the Jim Crow era.
"The signs give a feeling of being unwelcome and being excluded," Charles said.
No ruling is expected for at least two months, the three-member panel said.
After extensive publicity in 2006, the commission began investigating whether Vento violated a city ordinance that prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodation and housing on the basis of race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
In February, the commission found probable cause against Geno's Steaks for discrimination, alleging that the policy at the shop discourages customers of certain backgrounds from eating there.
Paul M. Hummer, an attorney for the commission, testified Friday that the sign is not about political speech, but about "intimidation," and that it suggested business from certain individuals was not wanted.
The hearing was held at the Arch Street Meeting House, given to the Philadelphia Quakers by William Penn in 1693. The building is billed as a symbol of "tolerance, equality and peace."
Joseph Vento, owner of Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia, displays a sign during a recess of a Commission on Human Relations hearing in Philadelphia, Friday, Dec. 14, 2007. The hearing was over alleged violations of the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance by Geno's Steaks for posting signs asking patrons to speak English when ordering. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Paul M. Hummer, an attorney for the commission, testified Friday that the sign is not about political speech, but about “intimidation,” and that it suggested business from certain individuals was not wanted.
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Hey Hummer! stuff it! and your commission too!
Go Joey!
Do you know of any business which will turn away a customer's money because of some stupid reason like color, religion, or ethnicity? Not me.
And as a businessman, that is his right even IF that was what he intended
How does this differ from a business displaying a "Hillary" poster?
I for one, would just go somewhere else.
“Camille Zubinsky Charles, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology
Faculty Associate Director, Center for Africana Studies, University of Pennsylvania”
Figures!
Camille Charles is a fascist pig. Let her find a country more to her liking ~ there’s no shortage of them.
"The signs give a feeling of being unwelcome and being excluded," Charles said.
Only if you can read the sign in English. Otherwise, it could be a speed limit sign.
Let her find a country more to her liking
yup
There are more than a few on the Dark Continent where she would fit right in and feel right at home.
If those reading the sign understood it (and feel discriminated against), we can assume they are capable of speaking English (or American!)
She could go to France or Germany if she wanted, or even Canada. They are all deep into fascist realities.
OR Deaf Child in Area sign
How ignorant!
Immigrants can learn English; non-whites learning to be white is much harder...ask Michael Jackson.
Camille not having the ability to run a business or produce a profit makes a tidy income blaming others for things no one cares about.
he should put up a sign that says "I don't understand your gibberish... so if you want to get what you ask for, make sure it's in ENGLISH!!!"
We are in America. We speak English. Why is this discriminatory?
ping
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