In a Wal-Mart store, in Washington Township, New Jersey, an announcement ordering all Black people to leave the store came over the public-address system. A male voice did the talking and what he said was “Attention Wal-Mart customers, All Black people leave the store now.”
The store manger quickly went on the intercom and apologized for the incident, but the damage had already been done. Many of the Black customers expressed their anger to the store management and also called and sent letters to corporate headquarters. The only response that management could give was that they were investigating the incident and the local police were involved.
The incident occurred on a Sunday, March 14, and the Washington Township police chief and Wal-Mart officials held a press conference presenting their findings and answering question from the media and community on Saturday, March 20. A 16-year-old is charged with making a racial comment and he has been released to his parents.
Since he is a minor, his name has not been released and there is little information about his background. Some community members said Saturday that they had heard reports of similar incidents happening at the store in recent months.
There have been several past instances of Black customers charging they were unfairly treated at other Wal-Mart stores. In February 2009, the retailer paid $17.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in its hiring of Black drivers.
Wal-Mart spokesman David Tover said in a statement issued after the news conference, “We’re pleased this matter is resolved and we have updated our intercom system at this store to prevent this from happening again. We again apologize to all our customers and associates who had to listen to something so offensive.”
This case will be handled in juvenile court in the neighboring county where the 16 year old lives. Authorities would not say if the incident was planned or the comments made impulsively. Another teenage friend is being investigated, but he has not been charged.
By Roger Caldwell
