Calling on McDonald's to Protect Our Children

From our colleagues at the National Religious Leaders Roundtable

Friends,

The beating of a transgender woman in Baltimore is horrific. I've heard many people say they wish they could do more to respond to what happened in the Baltimore area McDonald's, after they have signed the petition seeking justice. I'm writing with a personal suggestion for more people to followup with McDonald's corporate leadership as people of faith and as people concerned for the well-being of our children -- whatever your gender or affectional experience.

Please contact McDonald's corporate leadership and ask them to put policies in place that will protect our children from experiencing or witnessing such horrific violence in the midst of an allegedly child-friendly eatery. This is not only about transgender people. It is about whether McDonald's employees are prepared to maintain a safe, child-friendly environment on their business properties.

I am concerned that the corporate response from top McDonald's leadership fails to address the need for (1) non-discrimination policies relating to transgender people (2) mandatory diversity training for employees on transgender (and LGB) issues (3) policies and standards for how employees are to handle bullying, harassment, and/or violence on the premises.

Read McDonald's statement here.:

McDonald's markets themselves aggressively to children -- but their employees are clearly not prepared to address misbehavior by patrons. Therefore, I must conclude that my neighborhood McDonald's is NOT "a safe welcoming place for everyone."

I've called the 1-800 number. I've also written to the CEO and Chief Diversity Officer, with a copy going to media conctacts and others. You can read my note here:

Chris Paige

Contact information:1-800-244-6227

7 days a week7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST