[Image - The Homestyle Kitchen menu as seen on Wednesday. Photo by Layron Livingston of WHIO]
A food market in the Student Union and the company they work for was placed under scrutiny this Wednesday as the contents of an electronic menu in the Homestyle Kitchen were construed as racist.
The menu was of a banner featuring various influential African-American leaders in recognition of Black History Month. The food items included Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Collard Greens and Cornbread.
The menu was tweeted in an image by a 2014 university alum. The tweet was noticed by a WSU employee and the menu was quickly taken down. As of now the menu is back in operation with a different image. The food items have not changed.
Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services, who are responsible for posting the menu, issued a formal response today.
“As your proud campus foodservice provider, our commitment to diversity is reflected in the companies, partnerships, guests and associates that make us who we are. Collectively, we have developed a positive impact within the communities we serve through our dedication to diversity and inclusion,” Chartwells said in the email.
“Chartwells celebrates many national events on campus and tries to provide authentic and traditional cuisine to reflect each theme. In no way was the promotion associated with Black History Month meant to be insensitive,” Chartwells said. “We could have done a better job putting this in context of a cultural dining experience. We sincerely apologize.”
On the same day, Wright State hosted a panel called “Daughters Rising from the Dust: Children of ‘The Movement,’ Speak Out!”, a discussion where Ilyassah Al-Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, and Betty Shabazz, among others, shared recollections and personal experiences of the civil rights era.
“I was really hurt (by the menu). Extremely hurt,” said Billy Barabino, president of the Black Student Union in an interview with WHIO. Barabino said he was embarrassed to have that menu on display at the same time these presenters were on campus.
“For me, it was a knock in the face for African (and) African-American individuals who have fought for us to be progressive,” Barabino said. “I was extremely offended by it because it minimizes who we are as people.”
University President David Hopkins issued a response to campus today via email. “I apologize to anyone hurt by the display. To our credit, the menu was quickly removed. But the larger question remains: Why was it done?”
“I will find out,” Hopkins said. “We will take steps to prevent this kind of behavior occurring in the future.”
