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D.C. businesses embrace diversity for inaugural weekend but not white nationalists
D.C. businesses embrace diversity for inaugural weekend — but not white nationalists
By Tracy Jan January 20 at 8:16 AM
@TracyJan
As hundreds of thousands descend upon Washington this weekend to celebrate — or protest — Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, the D.C. service industry is trying to send a message of tolerance and inclusion. ... In all, 124 bars, restaurants, cafes and salons — from celebrity chef José Andrés’s restaurant group to neighborhood joints — have pledged to donate a portion of their profits from what they expect to be a lucrative weekend to local charities.
....
The anxiety and uncertainty surrounding Trump’s inauguration in heavily Democratic Washington — where more than 90 percent voted for Clinton — prompted about 100 restaurateurs to attend a recent safety training with police and a lawyer.
At the top of their minds, according to Scott Rome, a hospitality attorney who spoke at the private event: What are their rights when it comes to serving hate groups like white supremacists? ... The DC Human Rights Act makes it illegal to discriminate against more groups than are protected under federal law. Protected classes in Washington include not only race, religion and sex, but political affiliation as well.
“Right off the bat people are asking if we deny the so-called 'alt-right,' and they are held out to be Trump supporters, are we denying based on political affiliation?” Rome said.
By Tracy Jan January 20 at 8:16 AM
@TracyJan
As hundreds of thousands descend upon Washington this weekend to celebrate — or protest — Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, the D.C. service industry is trying to send a message of tolerance and inclusion. ... In all, 124 bars, restaurants, cafes and salons — from celebrity chef José Andrés’s restaurant group to neighborhood joints — have pledged to donate a portion of their profits from what they expect to be a lucrative weekend to local charities.
....
The anxiety and uncertainty surrounding Trump’s inauguration in heavily Democratic Washington — where more than 90 percent voted for Clinton — prompted about 100 restaurateurs to attend a recent safety training with police and a lawyer.
At the top of their minds, according to Scott Rome, a hospitality attorney who spoke at the private event: What are their rights when it comes to serving hate groups like white supremacists? ... The DC Human Rights Act makes it illegal to discriminate against more groups than are protected under federal law. Protected classes in Washington include not only race, religion and sex, but political affiliation as well.
“Right off the bat people are asking if we deny the so-called 'alt-right,' and they are held out to be Trump supporters, are we denying based on political affiliation?” Rome said.
