“Customers and different people were telling me that they have a hard time trying to communicate with them about the work they want done on their yards. I just want to let people know they at least can communicate with me when I do work on their property.” Meet Mike Gray, a 50 year old father of two who works as a heavy equipment operator for a road department. On the side, Mike Gray owns a lawn service business; he tows around a trailer that he uses to carry lawn mowing equipment for his business. Here’s the full story from the CBS television affiliate in Denver. Gray’s problems started when he decided to put a sign on the side of his trailer that reads “Lawn Services Done With Pride!! By An English Speaking American.” The sign also gives Gray’s phone number and the lettering is over a background of an American flag. “Some of your conduct … is reprehensible and discriminatory to our non-English speaking and/or Hispanic workforce. You are in violation of … guidelines which ensure a workplace free from harassment and sensitive to the diversity of employees.” Ouch. Diversity is good. Language is good. English is a language. Continue reading →
