Atticus comments on English only policy

New Haven (WTNH) - The owner of a New Haven bookstore who has come under fire for a memo to his staff about speaking English says he is reviewing the policy.

A memo was handed out to employees at Atticus Bookstore Cafe requiring them speak English anywhere in the restaurant where they could come in contact with customers. Most of the wait staff is Hispanic.

Owner Charles Negaro released a statement Friday in which he said, "We encourage the use of English because it's an appropriate way to be most helpful to our customers. To continue to provide the best service possible, we try to help those employees who speak English as a second language by helping them improve their use of English."

Negaro said the bookstore also offers employees free English language classes.

Here's the full statement sent to WTNH:

Atticus Responds to News Reports
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New Haven, Connecticut (January 21, 2010) - Because there have been recent reports that there is an "English Only" policy at downtown New Haven's Atticus Bookstore and Café, owner Charles Negaro has issued a statement explaining that this is not true. Actually, there is an appreciation and total acceptance of all languages at his landmark enterprise, he explains, as well as an "atmosphere of mutual respect for cultural diversity throughout our café/book store and among the workers".

"Atticus employs a very diverse workforce, many of whom are Hispanic and have worked here for ten years or more." Negaro said, "We encourage the use of English because it's an appropriate way to be most helpful to our customers. To continue to provide the best service possible, we try to help those employees who speak English as a second language by helping them improve their use of English. We even offer employees free English language classes because we believe that learning this valuable skill is an important added workplace benefit."

"The news reports that I am aware of are mistaken impressions of our overall attempt to improve customer service and to provide rewarding employment to all of our staff. If these news reports have offended anyone, I am sorry. Atticus managers and staff are reviewing our policy of appropriate language usage to determine how we can avoid misinterpretations of this kind in the future."

Mr. Negaro added that "Atticus has a long history as a source of knowledge, and as a trusted promoter of literary achievements. Discussions of subjects such as these are important public issues, and we hope to pursue these subjects for community discourse and commentary in the days ahead".

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