We finally have a ruling based on good old common sense. The owner of any business has the right to ask that his or her customers speak in the language common to this country. This is America!
A Philadelphia agency has ruled English-only signs at Geno’s Steaks are not discriminatory.
The Commission on Human Relations ruled Wednesday that the sign at Geno’s does not violate the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance. Joe Vento posted the signs at his shop in October 2005. They read “This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING ‘PLEASE SPEAK ENGLISH.”
Critics alleged that the policy discourages customers of certain backgrounds from eating there. They say the signs discourage non-English speakers from going to the shop. Vento says he has never refused service to anyone because they couldn’t speak English
I agree with and support Joey Vento 100 percent. The common language of this country is ENGLISH. Fluency is not expected or demanded, only the bare bones basics. If you can’t comply, go home!
Don’t read this unless you can speak and read English!
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations is holding a public hearing to address a controversial sign at the popular Geno’s Steaks that has gained national attention.
The hearing was scheduled after allegations were made accusing Geno’s Steaks of discrimination for posting a sign that reads: “This is America. When ordering speak English.”
Geno’s owner Joey Vento said it is “free speech.”
“Since we have a little problem in the country with the language, it is also telling people at Geno’s Steaks, all we speak is English,” Vento said.
Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) does not see it that way and alleges Geno’s is in violation of the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance – Chapter 9 Section 9-1105 (A) (1) (b) of The Philadelphia Code.
The commission believes the sign discourages patronage by non-English speaking customers.
“Individuals who operate in a place of public accommodation cannot post signage or express messages that might have the resulting affect of making any group, any ethnicity, and any national origin person feel unwelcome,” said Nick Taliaferro, Human Relations Commission.
Philadelphians have varying opinions.
“It doesn’t matter. This is America and you can have any kind of take on what ever you want,” said customer Andrew Tyson of South Philadelphia.
Amar Vyas of Roxborough disagrees.
“I like the food at Geno’s but I believe it is discriminatory towards people of other ethnic backgrounds.”
Ventos said either way you will be served.
“It’s a request. And if you don’t speak the language, how’s it offensive? You don’t understand it anyway.”
Vento, along with his supporters and opponents, are arguing their point at a public hearing at the Arch Street Meeting House, 320 Arch Street. The meeting went on late into the day on Friday. A ruling was not expected to be handed down on Friday.
