MILWAUKEE -- Leon’s Frozen Custard on Milwaukee’s south side is making waves across the country for a decades-old English only" policy for employees.
The policy was dropped after Latinos discovered employees were not allowed to speak to them in Spanish this week.
Owner Ron Schneider was scheduled to meet with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) on Friday afternoon. However, LULAC said Schneider canceled the meeting Friday morning because he needs more time to meet with his attorney.
“We are disappointed today’s meeting with Leon’s Frozen Custard Ownership was cancelled. LULAC of Wisconsin has been working in good faith trying to resolve the issue," the group said in a statement.
On Thursday, May 20, TODAY'S TMJ4 approached a Leon’s employee when a Spanish speaking customer ordered in Spanish.
The lady behind the counter did not speak Spanish, but called over another employee who did. That employee took the customer’s order in Spanish.
“You're allowed to talk to customers in Spanish?” TODAY'S TMJ4’s Veronica Macias asked.
“[No] until now," the Leon’s employee said.
When asked about his policy change, Schneider told TODAY'S TMJ4, “Now I just made it official - if you can help the customer, just help them any way you can.”
