I've been sitting on this one for a few days, and, it is simply amazing (from the ACLU website)
In a letter sent today to Barry Taylor, the owner of Kokoamos Island Bar, Grill and Yacht Club, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia demanded that the Virginia Beach nightspot rescind a policy of barring hairstyles worn almost exclusively by African-American patrons.
Kokoamos denies entry to anyone wearing, braids, twists, cornrows and dreadlocks — all of which are styles traditionally worn by African Americans, the ACLU said. The ACLU argues that the policy violates the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits public accommodations from discriminating on the basis of race.
The ACLU is representing Kim Hines, an African-American woman who was refused entry to the club in August because she wears her hair in dreadlocks. When she complained to the club the following day, she was advised to visit the owner's "urban" club in Newport News.
In today's letter, ACLU of Virginia Legal Director Rebecca Glenberg asks Taylor to "provide immediate written assurances that individuals will no longer be barred from any of your clubs by reason of a hairstyle associated with a particular race, religion, or ethnicity. If such assurances are not forthcoming, Ms. Hines will not hesitate to pursue all avenues to enforce her legal rights."
Personally, I am wondering who the ACLU thinks they are. No one voted for them. No one elected them. They are not part of any level or branch of government here in the United States. The citizens did not hire them to perform functions of government, such as code and law enforcement. Yet, here they are acting in the manner of government, demanding that a private organization do business in the way that the ACLU wants, nay, demands them to act.
Last time I checked, this was still America, and, while it may not be the best, private business owners can choose who to exclude, within reason. Would it be acceptable to the ACLU if business ban those wearing gang clothing, symbols, and tattoo's? Many, many restaurants require jackets and ties. Most require shirts and shoes. And, guess what? Some are male or female only.
I wonder if the ACLU would back me if I, a white male, attempted to force a female only business such as a private college or health club, to admit me. Think they would help, or blow me off?
