Publix is apparently trying to be the Starbucks of the supermarket game. After seeing the coffee chain come under fire for initially not allowing employees to wear Black Lives Matter apparel, Publix came through and said, βHold my beer.β
NBC News reports that Publix has released a statement saying that employees are not allowed to wear Black Lives Matter apparel. The statement was made partially due to Quinton Desamours, a black teenager who works at a Publix in Lehigh Acres, Fla., He tweeted out earlier this month that after going to work wearing a mask with the letters with BLM written on it he was approached by a manager and sent home.
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βHonestly, I was just speechless. He told me the company hasnβt issued a statement and that he doesnβt know if theyβre pro or con on the issue, and that I am endangering myself and everyone who worked there.β 18-year-old Desamours told WBBH about when an assistant manager approached him about the mask. Desamours went on to say that the mask policy isnβt enforced equally. βMany, many employees have different designs on their masks. There is an employee that has a comic strip on his mask. So, it seems like they just didnβt like the message I was trying to portray.β Desamours told WBBH
βAt Publix, we reject racism and believe diversity makes our companyβand our communityβbetter. Our focus remains on ensuring a welcoming work and shopping environment for all associates and customers. Our uniform policy does not permit non-Publix messaging on clothing or accessories.β Maria Brous, a spokeswoman for Publix, said in a statement sent to NBC News.
The company also referred Desamours to a letter written by Publix CEO Todd Jones. βToday, itβs evident that our support and compassion are required on an even deeper level. At Publix, we reject racism and discrimination of any kind.β Jones wrote in a letter detailing his pledge to donate $1 million to National Urban League affiliates.
Publixβs stance essentially boils down to βHey, weβre not racist. We just want racists to feel comfortable spending money in our stores,β which kind of misses the entire point of the movement.
Desamours was unmoved by both statements and has announced his intention to quit his job. βNo place is a bad place to stand up for whatβs fundamentally right!β Desamours tweeted on Tuesday.Β
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