A cleaning business owner in North Carolina is facing backlash for making comments suggesting discrimination against Indian callers. Robert Nolen, the owner, revealed on social media that he advises his staff to “profile every client” and admitted that they did not consider Indian callers as potential customers. His post stated, “They were Indian, so we didn’t count them as a lead.”
Nolen also mentioned that his team had discussions about setting higher prices specifically to deter Indian callers from using their services, adding, “We don’t want your business” in another message. These remarks have raised alarms about racial profiling and discrimination on the basis of ethnicity.
The Indian American Advocacy Council (IAAC) has taken notice of Nolen’s statements. They are currently gathering information from Indian customers, job applicants, and contractors who feel they may have been treated unfairly due to their ethnicity. The IAAC is concerned that Nolen’s comments could lead to legal issues if they reflect the actual practices of his business. Moreover, they pointed out that local regulations in Charlotte forbid businesses from denying services or making customers feel unwelcome based on their national origin or ethnicity.
This situation highlights the importance of fair treatment in business, regardless of a person’s background.
