Camille Charles, a sociology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, testified that Vento’s signs harken back to the “Whites only” postings of the Jim Crow era.
A small sign that asked customers to order in English at a famous cheesesteak shop was never meant to be offensive, the shop’s owner testified Friday at a hearing to decide whether the policy was discriminatory.
Joe Vento, the owner of Geno’s Steaks, defended his policy before the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, which filed the discrimination complaint.
“This country is a melting pot, but what makes it work is the English language,” Vento told the commission. “I’m not stupid. I would never put a sign out to hurt my business.”
Vento posted two small signs in October 2005 at his shop in a diverse South Philadelphia neighborhood, telling customers, “This is AMERICA: WHEN ORDERING PLEASE ‘SPEAK ENGLISH.'”
He said Friday that he posted the sign because of concerns over the debate on immigration reform and the increasing number of people from the area who could not order in English.
But he said he also wanted to keep the line moving at his busy store.
“The case should, without question, be dismissed,” Vento attorney Shannon L. Goessling said. “There is a legitimate business purpose for this sign.”
Paul M. Hummer, an attorney for the commission, testified earlier that the sign is not about political speech, but about “intimidation,” and that it suggested business from certain individuals was not wanted.