Latest: Meeting between owner of Leon's Frozen Custard, LULAC canceled
MILWAUKEE -- Officials with LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) say a meeting they were scheduled to have with the owner of Leon's Frozen Custard on Milwaukee's south side has been canceled. The owner confirmed that information. That meeting was set for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 20th.
Leon's Frozen Custard
LULAC reported in a media statement that the owner of Leon's canceled because there was a "need to have more time to confer with counsel."
"I feel if the guy owns the place, he's been here that long. He's got the right to say, 'speak English,'" said Donald Teffer, Leon's customer.
That's the feeling of many customers in the line Friday, at Leon's Frozen Custard. Other regulars at the south side instituation have a different message.
"Let it be spoken. Se halba Espanol," said Randy Peterka, Leon's customer.
Leon's Frozen Custard
On Wednesday, Leon's Frozen Custard Owner Ron Schneider told FOX6 News, there's a reason he asks employees to speak only English at the counter.
"Any foreign language is going to be a problem for us. It really is, especially if the customer is going to be a repeat customer and begins to expect that," said Schneider.
Ron Schneider, owner of Leon's Frozen Custard
Schneider has since softened his stance, saying while he never changed the policy, he wants to clarify if a customer can't speak English, workers can accommodate them -- that includes speaking Spanish.
Friday, Schneider scooped cones while confirming a meeting with the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, has been canceled.
LULAC says Schneider wanted more time to meet with his attorney.
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, English-only rules are generally considered a violation of labor law -- adding they "should be limited to the circumstances in which it is needed for the employer to operate safely and efficiently."
One customer says his desire to speak Spanish is not a rejection of American culture.
"I know I have to learn the language and I'm trying, but sometimes it's embarrassing to try to explain yourself in another language," said Luis Robledo, wants to speak Spanish at Leon's.
A south side official just hopes the meeting does happen.
Leon's Frozen Custard
"Come up with something that's a win-win for everyone so we can move on and enjoy our summer together as a community," said State Representative Josh Zepnick.
LULAC says it hopes to reschedule the meeting for sometime next week.
Voces de la Frontera, a Latino rights organization is planning a protest at Leon's on Saturday, May 21st.
Dr. Arturo Martinez, State Director of LULAC issued the following statement:
"We are disappointed today’s meeting with Leon’s Frozen Custard Ownership was cancelled. LULAC of Wisconsin has been working in good faith trying to resolve this issue. LULAC of Wisconsin believes that strong communities are the result of mutual respect between people in the community and those who conduct business in the community. As we have stated from the beginning, it is important for Mr. Schneider to review his personnel policies with counsel, to ensure they are in compliance with EEOC guidance and civil rights law. LULAC of Wisconsin remains committed to working towards an amicable resolution. This being said, the longer this situation continues unresolved, the more difficult it will inevitably become to find an amicable resolution."
Leon's Frozen Custard
On Thursday, there was still a line at Leon's. Some said they showed up to support the English-only policy.
"The United States of America does business in English," a Leon's customer said.
"They're living here, working here for Lord knows how long and they haven't even bothered to learn the language?" Louise Bozek said.
"This is America. That's the bottom line. You want to come here and live? You learn the language," Dave Katzner said.
Leon's Frozen Custard
Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6NOw.com for updates on this developing story.