It looks like Apple are in trouble. The multinational technology company has been accused of racial profiling after security guards were caught denying a group of black students entry to their store.
The teenagers were shopping in Melbourne, Australia when they were kicked out under the pretense that they “might steal something.” The video of the interaction surfaced on the net on Tuesday night, and it goes without saying that their dismissal hasn’t gone down too well with members of society across the globe.
An Apple staff member is heard on the recording saying, “These guys [the security guards] are just a bit worried about your presence in our store. They’re just worried you might steal something.”
Clearly taken aback by the situation, one boy responds, “Why would we steal something?” The six Year 10 students involved are said to be completely shocked by their treatment. Speaking to Fairfax Media, Mabior Ater said, “I’ve been coming to Highpoint for a long time and I never thought something like this would happen. Of course, I’m offended.”
Many have taken to social media to voice their view on the matter, with some complaining that their dismissal was a blatant case of racial profiling. According to a local newspaper, The Age, the boys were accompanied back to the store by their school principal at Maribyrong College, Nick Scott, who requested an official apology. Mabior said, “She apologised to us and told us that we are welcome here anytime. It feels like we have justice now.”
Although a spokeswoman from Apple insists that they are committed to cultural diversity and inclusion in their stores, many are finding this difficult to be live. She supplied a quote from Apple chief executive Tom Cook in an attempt to highlight this.
The quote read, “We believe in equality for everyone, regardless of race, age, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. That applies throughout our company, around the world with no exceptions.” Viralthread reports
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