COLUMBUS, Ohio — When a dress code sign appeared at the Short North Food Hall, some saw it as a form of discrimination.
"There are a lot of racial undercurrents with that," said Willie Perkins of Columbus.
"When they said no baggy clothes or grills, I thought that was racist, " said Kennedy Hairston.
The Short North Food Hall issued this apology:
"Our policies at Short North Food Hall are first and foremost to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. We are proud members of the diverse and passionate Short North community and unequivocally denounce discrimination in any form. We sincerely apologize to anyone who feels singled out or discriminated against as a result of the verbiage of our safety policies and we are working to correct this issue."
The dress code banned items including, "ill-fitting or excessively baggy clothes, work boots, athletic clothing, jerseys, sagging of pants, excessive jewelry including grills and headphones," among other things.
Columbus City Council Member Rob Dorans tweeted, "this is both classist and racist. Do better #shortnorthfoodhall"
Another person tweeted," since when is a racist dress code a safety policy?" Someone else wrote, "what is drug-related clothing? Is there a drug dealer dress code..."
Stephanie Hightower, president of the Columbus Urban League, said the she believed some were targeted by the sign.
"I'm saying discriminatory, is what I'm saying. I think that there was a certain demographic of people that were being targeted," she said.
She says she doesn't believe this is the only business that does this and hopes the publicity will bring about change.
"I'm hoping that this a teachable moment — a teachable moment for this community that we know can do better," said Hightower.
The Columbus Urban League has a dress code of its own on its front door with rules including, "No Hats" and "No Sagging Pants."
"When people come here, they are looking for jobs and we want them to project an image that is getting them ready to go out in the workforce," says Hightower.
While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prevents public-sector businesses from refusing service on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion or natural origin, private businesses can refuse customers for being unreasonably rowdy, lacking adequate personal hygiene or creating safety concerns.
10TV tried to reach the owner of Short North Food Hall for comment but did not get a response as of Friday evening.
Chris Corso, who owns Short North Food Hall, released a joint statement on Jan. 23 with Nana Watson, Columbus Branch President of the NACCP; Chris Cozad, Chair of the Columbus Community Relations Commission; and Stephanie Hightower, President and CEO of the Columbus Urban League:
“The Dress Code was clearly a mistake. Sadly, it raised a number of concerns about racism and bigotry that, while never intended, are clearly understandable. Chris Corso and his entire team are truly sorry for the error.
“That said, the motivation behind the signage stemmed from a sense of urgency to better protect customers, employees and the entire Short North community. Over the last year, Corso and his staff have become increasingly concerned, hearing a nearly continuous series of reports of stolen cell phones, patrons being unknowingly drugged and actual physical assaults. They know many young people flow through the dark area alleys late at night and sometimes alone.
“These very real and valid issues led us to collectively move forward and ask the Neighborhood Intervention Specialists from the Columbus Urban League to undertake a safety assessment. We look forward to hearing their guidance and insights based upon their vast experience with gangs and crime and their extensive community contacts.
“We also have reached out to the Short North Business Association to convene community conversations around safety and inclusion. The issues at stake extend far beyond just one establishment or block.
“Finally, though the 400 people who work for Corso Ventures are very diverse, we all benefit from reminders about how to demonstrate greater tolerance, compassion and respect for one another. All Corso Ventures staff will participate in diversity and inclusion training in the near future.
“This is a teachable moment. Our intention is that it galvanize diverse leaders to collaborate, find common ground and create a safer and more welcoming Short North.”