I've been sitting on this one for a few days, and, it is simply amazing (from the ACLU website)
In a letter sent today to Barry Taylor, the owner of Kokoamos Island Bar, Grill and Yacht Club, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia demanded that the Virginia Beach nightspot rescind a policy of barring hairstyles worn almost exclusively by African-American patrons.
Kokoamos denies entry to anyone wearing, braids, twists, cornrows and dreadlocks — all of which are styles traditionally worn by African Americans, the ACLU said. The ACLU argues that the policy violates the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits public accommodations from discriminating on the basis of race.
The ACLU is representing Kim Hines, an African-American woman who was refused entry to the club in August because she wears her hair in dreadlocks. When she complained to the club the following day, she was advised to visit the owner's "urban" club in Newport News.
In today's letter, ACLU of Virginia Legal Director Rebecca Glenberg asks Taylor to "provide immediate written assurances that individuals will no longer be barred from any of your clubs by reason of a hairstyle associated with a particular race, religion, or ethnicity. If such assurances are not forthcoming, Ms. Hines will not hesitate to pursue all avenues to enforce her legal rights."
Personally, I am wondering who the ACLU thinks they are. No one voted for them. No one elected them. They are not part of any level or branch of government here in the United States. The citizens did not hire them to perform functions of government, such as code and law enforcement. Yet, here they are acting in the manner of government, demanding that a private organization do business in the way that the ACLU wants, nay, demands them to act.
Last time I checked, this was still America, and, while it may not be the best, private business owners can choose who to exclude, within reason. Would it be acceptable to the ACLU if business ban those wearing gang clothing, symbols, and tattoo's? Many, many restaurants require jackets and ties. Most require shirts and shoes. And, guess what? Some are male or female only.
I wonder if the ACLU would back me if I, a white male, attempted to force a female only business such as a private college or health club, to admit me. Think they would help, or blow me off?
The ACLU probably would take on your case if the PRIVATE college or healthclub were not PRIVATE. I think you are missing the point. There is a difference between public and private. Public businesses are required to treat all patrons equally. Grow up! we no longer live in a day and age where if it’s not white then it can’t be right. What if the club had a rule against blond haired blue eyed persons? I wonder if your opinion would be just as strong.
Public establishments in Kentucky don’t treat me equally. I am a smoker. In many public AND private eating establishments and bars, I am “not allowed” to smoke. Our intrusive, do-gooder attitude to treat people “equally” is batcrap and I, quite frankly, am sick of it. Public health hazard? You might could argue that. You could also argue that dreads and cornrows are common in gangs, which they are. This doesn’t mean that all people who wear them are gang members, nor does it imply racial negativity. I’m just trying to make a point.
Screw the ACLU. And, good luck, Mr. Taylor
What a cracker! Typical of you to bash the ACLU. The point the ACLU is trying to make is that as long as you are in proper dress, your hair should no matter. Being that in the new age now, Brown Americans are going back to wear traditional headress.
White people I think are frightened by this for what ever reason.
Look the Brown man may be violent and strong, but the white man is cowardly and weak, and cunning.
I fear the latter not the former.
Furthermore, you could only get away with shit like this in VA. In CA where I live we would burn the place to the ground. Yacht clubs out here know better, business and others. Fine if VA is a KKK state with apparent bigots in suits not sheets that own yachts, but we knew that already. What will be funny is when 50 Brown guys crash one of these lovely bars. You white folks are pretty stupid considering the times. A time when MOST children, including yours think they are Gangster or part of the brown culture. You cant stop us from infilitrating and making money, and you surely cant stop us from going where we want you can try but you will only end up losing your business one way or the other. See, we have power and money. And as we all know the police have never done anything to actually “prevent” crimes. No one can stop Brown from imposing its will when it is discriminated. Of course you can call the cops after the fact but then it will just be too late, wont it. I say, why prolong it if its a race war we need lets do it! All minorites against the so called majority. Doesnt matter how many militias doesnt matter how many guns. Guns killing, crime, soldiering is practiced every day in the inner city, which is where the fight will be. Training in the trees typical. DOnt get me wrong the ACLU is stranger than fiction however, I see the point and if your not a bigot, you should too.