Feds Put the Kibosh on Discrimination at Kung Fu Saloon

Remember the giant controversy that arose when Uptown bar Kung Fu Saloon was accused of racist door policies? In an incident that occurred last May, would-be patron DeAndre Upshaw said a bouncer turned him away, claiming his sneakers violated the dress code — despite the fact that some of Upshaw's white friends were already inside wearing similar shoes.

It wasn't the first time a Kung Fu Saloon location was accused of such practices, and the incident garnered a major social media backlash against the bar (and even a rally in Uptown). Thanks to plenty of media coverage, word got around to Dallas city officials, which promised to investigate — and now the U.S. Department of Justice says Kung Fu's discrimination has to stop, the Dallas Morning News reports.

According to the DMN, "earlier this year the bar agreed to pay a small fine and clean up its act," but today's federal court filing will ensure the Uptown bar — as well as Kung Fu's Austin and Houston locations — makes good on that promise. "In other words, the Justice Department has to sign off on everything, from what the dress code says to how training is conducted to how policies are enforced," the report explains. It's certainly a wakeup call for any other bars that might have sketchy unofficial door policies in place (and there's been rumored to be a few). Kung Fu Saloon's official dress code is also now prominently posted on its website, with no mention of Converse sneakers or other footwear being prohibited.

The Morning News has more, including the original complaint and a copy of the new decree.