Hoodie Policy At Indiana Mall Sparks Controversy And Racism Claims

A no hoodie sign hanging at the entrance of an Indian mall has sparked controversy and claims of racism by some shoppers and local citizens. The Anderson retail complex new hoodie policy says, “For the safety & well-being of everyone, please lower your hoodie.”

The Mounds Mall no hoodie policy is being applauded by some, and chastised by others. The Indiana shopping mall story has garnered national headlines due to the heated debate the “lower your hoodie” signs initiated. Anderson shopper Vivian Hardacre told local media that she thinks the no hoodie policy is a “wonderful policy. I’m all for it.” Hardacre walks inside the mall daily and said the recently posted sign makes her feel safer. “it’s for everyone, they are not targeting. I’ve seen grown men in here in their 50s and 60s with their hood up.”

But fellow customer Lauren Dawson disagrees, “I don’t think it’s right to tell people what to wear in a public place. It doesn’t make any sense.” Debonaire Brown said, “I think it’s very discriminating. It makes me want to shop elsewhere and not come here at all. If they want me to spend money in here, it shouldn’t matter what I wear or what I put on.”

Weapons and backpacks are already banned Mounds Mall. The lower your hoodie policy has reportedly been a part of Mounds Mall rules since 2004, but management only posted the sign recently in order to remind customers of the rule. If Indiana shopping mall customers refused to abide by the lower your hoodie policy, they will be asked to leave the premises. Other customers told the local media that the sign is all about making customers feel safe while shopping. Brittany Hagerman acknowledge that while she understands what the mall is attempting to accomplish with the hoodie policy, noting that teenagers can come in the facility and steal, she thinks that security staffers can handle such issues without the rule.

University of North Florida sociology professor Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder had this to say about the shopping mall hoodie policy:

“Let’s be honest here – this policy is not about safety and security; it’s about inciting more unnecessary fear and negative stereotypes about black male youth. If a similar policy were developed to prohibit turbans or hijabs in airports for instance, it would be immediately labeled insensitive, irrational, and discriminatory. While officials may have been well meaning in their intent, their actions were nevertheless counterproductive and only work to intensify an already tense racial climate in our society.”

Simon Property Group did not share any details specific to the lower your hoodie policy when asked by reporters, but did state that a code of conduct is posted in several places in their malls to remind customers about behavior requirements while on the premises. General manager Braun Roosa stated that the lower your hoodie signs were requested by local law enforcement officers for identification and security purposes. Hoodies do not have to be removed in order to shop at Mounds Mall in Indiana, just lowered.

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