The dress code at Reggie’s bar come under fire Friday when students spoke out against what they say is a racist practice. According to students gathered outside the bar, a dress code rule at Reggie’s prohibits guests from wearing white shoes. “No one really knew about [the shoe policy],” said Patrice Richardson, English senior. “I was asking people if they ever heard that you could not wear white shoes, and they were like ‘No, that does not make sense.'” Richardson said tensions tightened at the Tigerland hangout when white men wearing white shoes were seen entering the bar, but a black man in white shoes was turned away. “My friends were told they could not go in because they were wearing [white] tennis shoes,” said Cherie Teamer, political science freshman. “A few minutes after that, a Caucasian male with white tennis shoes was let in by the bouncers.” Reggie’s, a popular night-time hangout, is known to have dress code. Guests are prohibited from wearing jerseys, visors, FUBU apparel, sleeveless shirts, excessively baggy pants, neck chains and ball caps not worn forward. Previously a sign hung above the entrance outlining specific prohibited clothes. A new sign without specific violations now hangs, but telling patrons that management may turn anyone away. Some like Richardson and Teamer say the dress code targets clothes popular among blacks. “It wouldn’t be a problem if people were aware of [the shoe policy], that way you wouldn’t get into situations where people are outside cause they can’t get in,” Richardson said. “If people were aware of the policies you had so a person can be knowledgeable and adhere to the guidelines. It just seems like they magically appeared.” The escalation of the situation was eventually settled by letting all guests into Reggie’s wearing white shoes complimented with another color. “I think the situation was handled poorly,” Teamer said. “It’s just the most ridiculous thing ever, and honestly, a lot of people who wear white tennis shoes are African-American males. It’s hard not to think of it as racially motivated. I do not want to think that they are racist, but it’s kind of clear.” Friday night’s scene has prompted some to seek further protest of Reggie’s. Some University students are planning a protest Thursday night in Reggie’s parking lot. Samori Camara, a campus activist, is helping to plan the protest. The protest will be run in the view of the management at Reggie’s, Camara said. “The African-Americans that do go to Reggie’s do not really understand [Reggie’s management] does not want them there,” Camara said. “We have a history in Tigerland. [Reggie’s management] are trying to get the African-Americans out of there. Stop supporting them and the Confederate flag they have. We do not want to be discriminated against.”
—–Contact Chris Ballay at [email protected]