hey san francisco
check this out, my friend derek (who used to bartend at Badlands) is heading up this campaign (www.IsBadlandsBad.com), to bring attention to the racially discriminatory policies applied at Badlands, a bar in the Castro:
GAY BAR OWNER CHARGED WITH RACIAL BIAS VIOLATIONS
Complaints Filed with the SF City Attorney, California Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and the SF Human Rights Commission
Group Calls on Business Owner to Live Up to Castro Values
June 14 - Seeking a Castro that fulfills its promise as a place of welcome for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, a group of concerned San Franciscans asserts that gay bar owner Les Natali is engaging in a campaign of racial discrimination, in violation of several state and municipal anti-discrimination ordinances. The group has filed complaints with the City Attorney's Office, the California Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and the San Francisco Human Rights Commission against SF Badlands and Detour owner Les Natali asserting that illegal signs prominently displayed at his two Castro establishments are intended to promote racial discrimination. In addition, the group has documented the following accounts:
Natali encourages his staff to implement discriminatory and illegal practices in an effort to bar African Americans and possibly others
On multiple occasions, African-American patrons at SF Badlands have endured differential, unjust treatment, from expulsion without cause to poor service
Given the composition of his workforce and statements made by Natali, it is highly likely that the owner is engaged in discriminatory hiring practices
As recently as December 2003, the owner had failed to post a non-discrimination policy in a conspicuous place available to employees, in violation of state and municipal law
"The Castro is, at its best, a place of celebration, community, and for so many GLBT people from around the world, a place of homecoming," said group spokesperson Don Romesburg. "Yet for many people of color and others, that homecoming has long been bittersweet. We're here to encourage those values the Castro should represent to the rest of the world-diversity, inclusion, justice, and prosperity. To that end, we're starting a movement today to do three things: First, to stop Les Natali's bad practices; Second, to create a greater awareness of recourses available to those experiencing discrimination in the Castro and beyond; Third, to spur dialogue about issues of racial discrimination and inclusion in our community."
According to group spokesperson John Newsome, "Mr. Natali is a highly-skilled businessman and attorney. He knows the law. His intent is clear: to promote discrimination at his establishments, and to discourage selected groups - particularly African Americans - from entering. From signage, to door policies, to service, to hiring, Mr. Natali and SF Badlands are engaging in practices that, though invisible to many patrons, are patently illegal and discriminatory. The situation can no longer be ignored."
The announcement of this new campaign was made at a press conference held at Harvey Milk Plaza on June 14, attended by 55 supporters. The multi-racial group of businesspeople, educators, and community leaders filing the complaint ask that people share their SF Badlands, Detour, and other Castro experiences regarding race, both positive and negative. To that end, they have launched a website, www.IsBadlandsBad.com, where community members can read more about the complaint and other strategies, share their stories, and find out how to get involved.
For more information, please contact John Newsome or Don Romesburg, or visit www.IsBadlandsBad.com, where press materials, including the complaints, are available.
GAY BAR OWNER CHARGED WITH RACIAL BIAS VIOLATIONS
Complaints Filed with the SF City Attorney, California Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and the SF Human Rights Commission
Group Calls on Business Owner to Live Up to Castro Values
June 14 - Seeking a Castro that fulfills its promise as a place of welcome for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, a group of concerned San Franciscans asserts that gay bar owner Les Natali is engaging in a campaign of racial discrimination, in violation of several state and municipal anti-discrimination ordinances. The group has filed complaints with the City Attorney's Office, the California Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and the San Francisco Human Rights Commission against SF Badlands and Detour owner Les Natali asserting that illegal signs prominently displayed at his two Castro establishments are intended to promote racial discrimination. In addition, the group has documented the following accounts:
Natali encourages his staff to implement discriminatory and illegal practices in an effort to bar African Americans and possibly others
On multiple occasions, African-American patrons at SF Badlands have endured differential, unjust treatment, from expulsion without cause to poor service
Given the composition of his workforce and statements made by Natali, it is highly likely that the owner is engaged in discriminatory hiring practices
As recently as December 2003, the owner had failed to post a non-discrimination policy in a conspicuous place available to employees, in violation of state and municipal law
"The Castro is, at its best, a place of celebration, community, and for so many GLBT people from around the world, a place of homecoming," said group spokesperson Don Romesburg. "Yet for many people of color and others, that homecoming has long been bittersweet. We're here to encourage those values the Castro should represent to the rest of the world-diversity, inclusion, justice, and prosperity. To that end, we're starting a movement today to do three things: First, to stop Les Natali's bad practices; Second, to create a greater awareness of recourses available to those experiencing discrimination in the Castro and beyond; Third, to spur dialogue about issues of racial discrimination and inclusion in our community."
According to group spokesperson John Newsome, "Mr. Natali is a highly-skilled businessman and attorney. He knows the law. His intent is clear: to promote discrimination at his establishments, and to discourage selected groups - particularly African Americans - from entering. From signage, to door policies, to service, to hiring, Mr. Natali and SF Badlands are engaging in practices that, though invisible to many patrons, are patently illegal and discriminatory. The situation can no longer be ignored."
The announcement of this new campaign was made at a press conference held at Harvey Milk Plaza on June 14, attended by 55 supporters. The multi-racial group of businesspeople, educators, and community leaders filing the complaint ask that people share their SF Badlands, Detour, and other Castro experiences regarding race, both positive and negative. To that end, they have launched a website, www.IsBadlandsBad.com, where community members can read more about the complaint and other strategies, share their stories, and find out how to get involved.
For more information, please contact John Newsome or Don Romesburg, or visit www.IsBadlandsBad.com, where press materials, including the complaints, are available.