When a Racist Restaurant Opens on the Edge of Campus, What Is a University's Responsibility?

[Judi Lynn]

When a Racist Restaurant Opens on the Edge of Campus, What Is a University's Responsibility?
Monday, 16 November 2015 00:00
By Roberto Cintli Rodriguez, Truthout | Op-Ed

A white-owned Mexican restaurant called "Illegal Pete's" will open in December at the doorstep of the University of Arizona. A growing debate surrounds the restaurant's opening - a debate that could ultimately touch every university in the country.

In this case, the proposed restaurant is just one block from the main entrance to the university, and it is precisely where the campus pep rallies take place before the big games. Because of the restaurant's location, its opening has ramifications that go beyond legal or real estate questions. Yet, at the moment, the university is remaining neutral on this matter. But is neutrality possible when the school's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the university community?

This controversy involves the question: Are universities responsible for the conduct of tenants in adjoining university villages - which are the heart of university life - whether they own the property or not? In this case, this question is particularly relevant as the owner of this restaurant appears to be locating his liquor establishments near college campuses.

In this case, the opponents of the restaurant are arguing that the university's responsibility in creating a safe space for its students, staff, faculty and workers includes not simply freedom from physical harm, but also freedom from psychological harm that can occur from repeated exposure to anti-Mexican mockery and bigotry. The opponents, led by the student group MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/Chicano de Aztlan), have begun a petition, demanding that the owner either change the name of the restaurant or shut it down.

More:
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/33662-when-a-racist-restaurant-opens-on-the-edge-of-campus-what-is-a-university-s-responsibility

[Blue_Tires]

1. This dude must be trolling

and he's practically begging the university to shut him down so he can take them to court...

As long as students don't patronize it, the eatery will go bankrupt...

[nxylas]

2. This is one occasion where I say "let the market decide"

The guy is obviously hoping for some of those conservative martyr dollars, like that homophobic pizza place. Otherwise, it's hard to see who the target market is. People who like Mexican food but not Mexicans?

[iandhr]

4. Took the words right out of my mouth.

[left-of-center2012]

3. Controversy (Wikipedia)

In 2014, Illegal Pete's attracted controversy because the word illegal has possible racial connotations.
Several Latino activists have demanded that the word "illegal" be dropped from the name of the restaurant.
Founder, Pete Turner, has opposed changing the name and has issued a public statement defending his use of the name.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_Pete's#Controversy

Concerning the name Illegal Pete’s
http://illegalpetes.com/concerning-the-name-illegal-petes/

[sahel]

5. it wouldn't matter if he called the restaurant

"Wet***k Jack's", the fact is that he's outside campus grounds and there really isnt much that the university could do even if they wanted.

Side note: I curl my lip whenever university activists try to brook any disagreement by using phrases like " period." or "end of discussion" as though they were ayatollahs handing down diktats from in high. It's juvenile.

[hack89]

6. If the food is good he will do well

In any case it is none of the university's business.