Business & Tech
'Nazi Garb' Photo: Minneapolis Diner Fires 2 Workers
A popular Twin Cities diner announced it fired two employees for posing for a picture in apparent Nazi outfits.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A popular Twin Cities diner announced it fired two employees for posing for a picture in apparent Nazi outfits. The photo at the heart of the controversy surfaced after a woman posted a complaint about it on the diner's Facebook page.
"After a review, these individuals are no longer employed at the Uptown Diner," the restaurant said on Facebook. "This is severely troubling, especially in the light of tragic events in Charlottesville over the weekend."
"The Uptown Diner unequivocally repudiates the beliefs and ideals of neo-Nazis and white supremacy." (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Minnesota Patch, click here to find your local Minnesota Patch. Also, follow us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)
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"For 27 years, we have operated and continue to operate our restaurant as an inclusive meeting place for the entire community of Uptown Minneapolis," the post continued.
"We are currently reviewing our policies and procedures to continue to improve how we can best honor our values as an inclusive and diverse part of the community. We happily welcome everyone to enjoy our food and the company of our community. We look forward to serving you."
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The diner's announcement drew more than 200 comments on Facebook, including both praise and criticism of the move. Some came to the defense of the fired workers, claiming they were dressing up as actors, not as supporters of neo-Nazi ideology.
"If they were just re-enactors then all you did was expose your stupidity," said John Wilson.
Paul Skrbec praised the restaurant, commenting, "You gained a new customer. Thank you for being on the right side of history."
Joonil Oh said that "if you think that /now/ is a good time (not that there really is a "good" time) to be putting pictures of yourselves in Nazi uniforms on Facebook, you're an oblivious idiot."
Read more comments about the decision below:
Image via Google Streetview
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