UW-Madison's cultural sensitivity was brought into question Friday night when a group of students staged a sit-in at Ed's Express over an alleged instance of racial harassment by an employee that occurred at the restaurant on March 1.
Between 20 and 30 students participated in the sit-in, which was sponsored by Multicultural Student Coalition, Promoting Racial and Ethnic Awareness, People Opposing Prejudice and Action Dialogue. Most of them brought signs, some of which urged the immediate dismissal of manager Dave Jonas, the worker in question.
March 1, Jonas allegedly approached a group of black UW-Madison students eating dinner. According to the students' accounts, Jonas said, \I'm sick of you people leaving piles of shit all over our tables.""
When UW-Madison freshman TyNeisha Banks attempted to leave the establishment, Jonas allegedly followed her and restrained her before she broke free and left. Jonas then allegedly confronted the remaining student, UW-Madison freshman Nick Sutton.
According to Sutton, Jonas said, ""I want you to leave the premises ... I don't want you here.""
Five police officers were allegedly called to the scene and surrounded Sutton, who was told he could be escorted out or arrested for disorderly conduct. Faced with this decision, Sutton left the building.
Jonas' actions were prompted by an incident days before involving students of color, according to Sutton.
""I think it's ridiculous that this has been going on, and I don't want this man to go on without being reprimanded,"" Sutton said. ""To be escorted out by the police, especially as a student of color, and to have my peers have to see that, I just think that creates more of a stereotype and stigmatization on a campus that lacks in diversity already.""
Others present sympathized with Sutton.
""It's absurd, and the only explanation is that he was a target by this manager of a sort of racial profiling, and the police were sympathetic to this man's actions,"" said UW-Madison freshman Bill Waller, a member of the International Socialist Organization.
""We'd like [Jonas] to be reprimanded to the fullest extent so that this prevents any other staff members who might take the same attitude,"" Sutton said. ""Maybe they will be more cautious in ... the manner in which they approach people ... because [they] have to be case-sensitive to that and realize the situation we're in.\
