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Racist ‘exclusively for white people’ stickers appear on Austin storefronts
Someone is posting stickers that say "exclusively for white people" on businesses in the Texas capital of Austin.
Someone is posting stickers that say "exclusively for white people" on businesses in the Texas capital of Austin.
Racist stickers that say “exclusively for white people” have mysteriously popped up on nearly a dozen storefronts in Austin, harkening to the dark days of racial segregation in the south.
The circular labels, bearing the official logo of the Texas capital, say a “maximum of 5 colored customers” are allowed inside, but colored staff is “accepted.”
The unauthorized signs claim to be sponsored by the city, but Austin Mayor Steve Adler blasted the culprits and said they were not produced by Austin or knowingly displayed by the businesses.
"This is an appalling and offensive display of ignorance in our city," Adler said in a statement. "Austin condemns this type of hurtful behavior. Our city is a place where respect for all people is a part of our spirit and soul. We will keep it that way."
It's unclear how many stickers were posted since many went unreported, city spokesman Jim Wick said. At least eight restaurants and retail shops were defaced and have since taken them down, he said.
They were put up early Thursday, between midnight and 7 a.m., officials said. The Austin Police Department is investigating and on the lookout for the culprits.
"This is an affront to who we are as a city and who we are as a community," City Manager Marc Ott said. "This type of cowardly and hateful act will not be tolerated in this city."