Dress Code at University Restaurant Is Racist?

John at Discriminations (see blogroll at left) links to a story about a restaurant across the street from the University of Virginia, a restaurant that has instituted a dress and behavior code so that the dining experience will be better for all patrons.

The dress code, established last semester, prohibits hats without brims, baggy clothing, sweatpants, plain white t-shirts and camouflage unless worn by a member of the Armed Forces.

The dress code, established last semester, prohibits hats without brims, baggy clothing, sweatpants, plain white t-shirts and camouflage unless worn by a member of the Armed Forces.

Whether or not you agree with the dress code, I can't see that it targets any race(s) in particular. But you know that's not what the whiners are saying. John says it best:

Add good manners and presentable dress to the list of things that it is racist to expect of minority students.

Update, 3/15/07: I've corrected the location of the restaurant. John at Discriminations answered my question:

No, not on the UVa grounds (campus). "The Corner" is a couple of blocks of restaurants, funky shops, etc., right across the street from the main grouns at UVa. Sort of a student hang-out area, but all the shops, restaurants, etc. are private.

Good for the owner for establishing what should be societally-accepted norms.