Mayor issues statement to Burmese

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Mayor Henry issued the following statement after being prompted by the Burmese community in light of recent discrimination at a Fort Wayne business:

"Following recent events, I am inviting leaders from the Burmese community and those who work closely with this growing population to meet with me personally.

I was saddened when I heard about the sign posted at Ricker’s. However, I thank Jay Ricker for quickly addressing the issue and making a very public apology. I am pleased the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission is looking into the matter as well.

I am reminded again that our community conversation about tolerance and understanding must be an ongoing one. Our efforts to make Fort Wayne a great place to live and a real hometown for all residents must never waver. I look forward to a constructive conversation and dialogue during the meeting about how we can create opportunities for immigrants to better integrate into our community and ways to celebrate the culture of some of our newest residents.

Throughout my life and during my 20 years on the Fort Wayne City Council, I have supported and advanced equality and fair treatment for all people. These principles are part of our nation’s great heritage and must always be promoted. To that end, I have worked closely with local organizations and the state to open the Refugee Center in 2008 that serves individuals from all over the world who now reside here.

Our city has a long history of welcoming immigrants. Like many other Americans, my family came to this country looking for new and better opportunities. Whether then or now, we know the challenges to newcomers are many. But for more than two centuries, our community has been enriched by the talents, skills and cultures of those that call Fort Wayne home. Our city is stronger and more vibrant because of its diversity. It is hallmark of our All-America City and something for which we all should be proud."

After reading Henry's statement, one of the Burmese Americans who called on the Mayor for a comment, says it's not enough.

"I don't think it is enough," said Nyan Aung. "I appreciate everything he (does), but this is breaking the law." Aung says he wishes the Mayor had been more aggressive with his response.

There are still many unanswered questions surround the shocking sign. For instance, what exactly was the sanitary reason behind the message? Ricker's and local Burmese groups are staying silent on the matter. But some in the community have speculated that some Burmese customers may have been chewing and spitting Betel juice inside the building.

Aung said if anyone did anything un-sanitary inside the store, they were absolutely wrong in doing so. But he adds, the actions of one or more persons shouldn't have been taken out against an entire group of people.