RALEIGH-- Last month a group of parents spoke out saying their sons had been kicked out of Crabtree Valley Mall without just cause.
On Feb. 28, the young males were approached by a security guard in the food court saying they were loitering and told them to leave. Their parents contend they were not doing anything wrong and that the boys were victims of racial profiling.
Now, mall management is responding.
A letter from the mall's General Manager Bobby Medlin read in part, "We have concluded that the young men involved should not have been asked by our officers to leave the mall. From our review, it appears that the young men were seated in the food court for about 10 minutes. That was not long enough to be a violation of the mall’s policy regarding loitering. We will review with all our officers how to appropriately enforce our loitering and food-court policies."
Lavonda Bowden, mother to three of the boys accused of loitering, said she is glad to know the policies will be reviewed with the officers, but overall, she is not entirely satisfied.
"That's not enough because they violated my children and their friends' rights. They are minors. They didn't call me and tell me that they was putting my kids out the mall," she said.
Although the letter stated they hoped the families would still frequent the mall, Bowden said they will not return.
"I can go elsewhere.. where I am appreciated," she said.
Medlin also stated he wants to meet with the families to apologize in person.
Bowden said she plans to meet at some point, but also wants to hold a community meeting to discuss the issue of racial bias.
Letter from mall management:
Dear Ms. Wright,
This is in response to your email of March 10, “Meeting Request.”
As General Manager of Crabtree Valley Mall, I have reviewed the matter with Chief Bullock of the Crabtree Valley Special Police Department. We have concluded that the young men involved should NOT have been asked by our officers to leave the mall.
On behalf of the mall and the police department, I sincerely apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Bowden and their three sons. I would like to meet with the Bowden family and apologize in person.
From our review, it appears that the young men were seated in the food court for about ten minutes. That was not long enough to be a violation of the mall’s policy regarding loitering.
The Chief and I also concluded that our officers should have acted differently regarding the mall’s food court policy during high-traffic times. The officers should have asked the young men to keep dining tables open for guests who wanted to eat. The officers should have noted that, for guests who are not eating, there are comfortable seating areas and benches located throughout the common areas of the mall.
Again, the young men should not have been asked to leave the mall.
Chief Bullock and I have reviewed this matter with the officers involved. We will review with all our officers how to appropriately enforce our loitering and food-court policies.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with the Bowden family, apologize in person to them and answer any questions they have. I also want to express to them my sincere hope that they will continue to be loyal customers at Crabtree Valley Mall.
They may contact me at (919) 787-2506.
Thank you very much.
Bobby Medlin
General Manager, Crabtree Valley Mall
Related story:
Parents Say Sons Are Victims of Racial Bias at Crabtree Valley Mall