Dunkin’ Donuts Protestors Lift Boycott, Petition Circulates to Stop Dancing Cop
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Protestors holding "Blue Lives Matter" signs picketed outside the Dunkin' Donuts on Atwells Avenue in Providence on Saturday, and retired Providence police officer and event organizer Tony Lepore, Sr. said upon receiving an apology from the owner that he was lifting the boycott.
The protest event had been scheduled in response to the event that occurred a week ago where a Dunkin' Donuts employee at the location wrote "BlackLivesMatter" on a Providence officer's coffee cup.
"After 1 hr. and a half the rep. of the corporation handed me a written apology from the owner," said Lepore on Saturday. "After the owner gave the letter to me and showing the press the letter we shook hands and I lifted the boycott. They said [the] girl left the business, and she is not at that location. I understand she is working else where. I was very gratified and I lifted the boycott on his business. As a friendly gesture I and my kind supporters bought coffee. I told him to please screen his workers when they are hired; warn them of the consequences should this happen again. I feel we accomplished much to keep our officers safe, and to send a message to all businesses. We will act on any actions of a worker like this in the future."
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In response to Lepore's efforts, a Change.org petition was started to ask Providence Mayor Elorza to not allow Lepore to conduct his dance routine this year in light of recent events.
The statement on the petition is the following:
It is believed that Tony Lepore's actions in this matter have been divisive to the Providence community through manipulative use and abuse of the Providence Police Department's influence. We call on Mayor Jorge Elorza and Public Safety Commissioner Stephen Pare to discontinue the use of Mr. Lepore as a traffic cop this holiday season.
The Holiday season is about goodwill and having Mr. Lepore working in an official capacity sends the wrong message to those who desire to shop and dine DownCity Providence. Moreover, it would contradict and possibly damage the confidence that Providence residents and law enforcement have worked tirelessly to build with each other.
Please, stand with the people of Providence as we stand as One Providence! Discontinue the use of the Dancing Cop!
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