A restaurant owner in Morris said racism is forcing her to close her doors.
Alethea Morris, owner of Thea's Diner, said someone responded to her online ad for a server by referencing the Ku Klux Klan, and a customer told her people avoid her business since she is black.
“He told me the reason why I don’t have anybody in here is because of my colour,” said Alethea.
This is not the first time a restaurant at the location has closed its doors due to discrimination.
In April of 2013, Dave Claringbould, who is gay, and his partner closed their Pots N Hands Eatery restaurant, citing slurs made against them.
Morris Mayor Gavin van der Linde said he’s outraged over treatment towards Alethea.
“It doesn’t represent a part of our community that I’m aware of,” said van der Linde.
He said he’s confident people will support Alethea.
Some in the community said the restaurant’s problems stem from high prices, not racism.
Alethea said, however, she’s experienced racism first-hand.
“It’s not easy. (We’re) just trying to make a living,” she said.
Alethea said she’s closing up shop for good next month.
The RCMP is investigating the racist online post.
- with a report from Jeff Keele
