A bowling alley near the Manzanar Incarceration Camp in Inyo County, California is refusing to meet with a group of Japanese Americans and Muslims who say the business refused to serve them, reports Rafu Shimpo .
A meeting scheduled for this past weekend was cancelled by the Back Alley Bowling, Bar and Grill in Bishop at the advice of the Grill’s attorney.
The group from the Japanese American Citizens League and CAIR (Council of American Islamic Relations) had been returning from the annual pilgrimage to Manzanar on April 25 when the incident occurred.
“This discrimination in public accommodations deeply offended us and denied our civil rights,” wrote the two groups in a letter to Back Alley. ” Our group has faced similar racism and bigotry at Back Alley Bowl in the past, this is particularly egregious. Fundamental changes need to be made.”
According to the Florin Chapter of JACL and the Sacramento Chapter of CAIR, the open sign was lit when they entered. Three lanes were opened and two were occupied by White families. About 10 Asian American and Muslim Americans were told they could not bowl because of a computer malfunction. The group said it offered to wait for the other bowlers to finish so they could use those lanes. They also offered to pay cash and buy food while they waited. The clerk refused.
An attorney for the bowling alley said those at Back Alley Bowling “sincerely regret any misperceptions.”
“I have advised my clients not to proceed with a meeting in Minden with you at this time,” wrote attorney David Hammon. “Frankly, I do not perceive the utility in continuing to rehash a subject that has been fully vetted. My clients are innocent of any wrongdoing in this matter and need to be left alone so they can concentrate on making a living and serving those who appreciate their great work.”
The bowling alley has refused to comment.
You can read about additional concerns about past incidents of discrimination at Back Alley Bowling in Rafu Shimpo .
RE: Japanese Americans & Muslim Americans say bowling alley refused to serve them: Everyone in every city can do something. Call or email your Budweiser Beer along with the photo and tell them that you and your friends will not drink their beer as long as the Bowling Alley doesn’t apologize.