By Noah Rayman
Stickers that say “exclusively for white people” were posted on local businesses in Austin, Texas this week.
The stickers were marked with the city logo and claimed to be “sponsored by the City of Austin,” but Mayor Steve Adler moved quickly to reject that claim and condemn them.
“This is an appalling and offensive display of ignorance in our city,” Adler said in a statement Wednesday. “Austin condemns this type of hurtful behavior. Our city is a place where respect for all people is a part of our spirit and soul.”
The city said it would monitor businesses for additional postings and would “take appropriate action” if more stickers show up.
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Write to Noah Rayman at noah.rayman@time.com