This weekend I was with Penn State alumni and students at a downtown bar to watch the game. I ordered food at the bar. After ordering, our server returned and started yelling in a rude manner: “Hello, it’s $16.29. You guys need to pay now.” We were a few inches from the bar as he verbally harassed us. I said nothing as I paid. A few minutes later, I walked over and asked him why he yelled at us. He said it was our fault because it was rude to “walk away from the bar” after ordering, which we had not. He lied to make excuses for his nasty behavior. I told him his behavior was unacceptable. Since he was the manager, I asked for the owner. He gave me the website. He was unapologetic, disgustingly rude, flippant and discriminatory toward our group. Several people witnessed his venomous behavior. He did not treat other patrons like this. He waited patiently for others, who were white, to pay. He did not yell in their faces. This shows what he thinks of minorities in State College — that we are somehow beneath others. Managers treating paying customers this way is horrible, even if it was a busy weekend.
Kimeka Campbell
Graduate - adult education
