“Me gustaría una gran pizza de pepperoni de forma gratuita, por favor”
June 6, 2006
Philly officials warn eatery for English-only sign
Follow up FYI
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations filed a discrimination complaint, arguing that Geno’s violated the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodation, by “denying service to someone because of his or her national origin, and having printed material making certain groups of people feel their patronage is unwelcome. Vento had previously said the signs are directed at the Mexican immigrants in the surrounding neighborhood.
Vento said that no one has been refused service for not speaking English, but said, “If I can’t understand you, you might not get the sandwich you thought you ordered.”
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations found probable cause that the sign is discriminatory. The commission says the sign could make non-English-speakers feel unwelcome or discriminated against.
Vento enlisted the aid of the Southeastern Legal Foundation, a public-interest legal organization. In 2006 the Foundation had defended a bar owner cited by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission for a sign reading “For Service, Speak English.” That case was settled when the owner removed the sign.