Dear Mr. Clifford:

 I was glad to read in the Oct. 15 edition of the Miami Herald that the “men only” signs are coming down at your store.  I was disappointed to read that there will be no policy changes.

 The “men only” signs are, of course, an insult to the women making up the bulk of Burdine’s customers.  They are a further insult to the business woman who is in equal need of a place to take clients and meet associates for a quick lunch.

Being white I am also aware of how “reservation signs” are used to limit Negro clientele in many establishments.  Are women, too, to be subjected to this not too subtle form of discrimination despite the 1964 civil rights act?

 I urge you to reexamine your policies as well as your signs.

 I urge you also to take this reexamination beyond the restaurant issue to the heart of store policies.  Are women clerks, for instance, given the same opportunities to move to high commission sales spots?  Or are these jobs reserved for men only?  Are your women employees given an equal chance to move to positions of authority?  From buyers to executive management positions?

 I frankly hope Mrs.  Roxcy Bolton’s “friendly persuasion” campaign is sufficient to remove the vestiges of discrimination and open new doors of opportunity to eager women.  I remain somewhat skeptical though.

     Yours truly,
     Xxxxx  Xxxxxxxxx

BC:  Bolton
  Don’t let ‘em off the hook this easy.  Those men’s grills have irritated me since I was a teenager when I was also working in retail sales (not Burdines) and became privy to the fact that shoe salesmen are paid much higher commissions than dress clerks (15 percent as compared to three percent) and furniture and large appliance where you could make a decent living wage were reserved for “men only.”