Public Outcry and Investigation
The situation was brought to public attention by a fellow diner who witnessed the exchange and shared the details on social media. He reported that the customer, dining with her family, used offensive language, including the term “colored,” while stating her refusal to be served by a black individual. “That couple should’ve been refused service for even asking something like that!!” commented local resident Jake Edwards, expressing outrage at the manager’s acquiescence in a workplace known for its diverse staff.
In response to the backlash, the local NAACP stepped in to investigate the incident alongside Olive Garden. Following their inquiry, the company emphasized its “zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind” and announced the manager’s dismissal. Meagan Patel, a spokesperson for Olive Garden, confirmed the decision, stating that such behavior would not be tolerated within their establishments.
Hostess Shares Distressing Experience
Amira Thompson, a hostess at the Olive Garden, recounted the distressing encounter, noting that the customer had made derogatory comments about her race and suggested she should work elsewhere. According to Thompson, the demand for a non-black server was made in a raised voice, creating an uncomfortable scene that left her in tears. The diner who posted about the incident mentioned feeling compelled to share the story to ensure that Thompson did not have to work in an environment where she felt unwanted.
“It’s 2020, not 1920; we should be past this,” Thompson remarked, highlighting the need for change. She expressed concern that such incidents should not require social media to address them. The server who was directly affected has not yet felt ready to discuss the incident publicly.
Resources for Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the firing of the Olive Garden manager for accommodating a racist customer’s demand serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding racial discrimination and the importance of standing against such behavior in any workplace.