Protest At Leon's Frozen Custard In Milwaukee Planned Over English Only Policy

Social media reaction over Leon's Frozen Custard English only at workplace has sparked action by some Latino activists who had planned to protest on Saturday at the custard business.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 19, 2016

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, Ron Schneider, the owner of Leon's Frozen Custard made it official, employees can help the customer in any way they can on a sale. The English only work place policy has been rescinded by Schneider. Schneider's decision comes hours after social media and Facebook users were spreading word that Latino activists and members of the Southside community were staging a protest and boycott rally on Saturday in front of Leon's Frozen Custard in Milwaukee. The protest and rally was in response to Schneider's previous English only work place policy that prohibited Spanish speaking employees from speaking Spanish to customers during working hours. 

Since the Leon's Frozen Custard English only policy scandal was also picked up and reported by the mainstream media as well, LULAC of Wisconsin stepped in and have requested for the U.S. EEOC to investigate Leon's English only work policy. According to LULAC, Schneider's comments, reasoning and explanation to media outlets seemed to violate labor laws. 

LULAC of Wisconsin State Director Dr. Arturo Martinez released the following statement, "...While many of us consider this as a community institution, it was surprising when we learned of their language policy, which is in clear violation of federal labor law.  Upon reviewing the statements made by management in a video interview detailing Leon's policy, we are requesting an investigation of this policy by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  The law is clear on this issue and offers few exceptions..."