Hotel Hispanic Workers Told To Change Their Names

Larry Whitten purchased the struggling hotel over the summer. His plans were to revitalize it. Whitten has done this for 20 other hotels.

The beauty of Taos goes deeper than the southwestern landscape. Taos is rich in Spanish history. Most of the residents speak Spanish.

Whitten speaks no Spanish. When he first purchased the hotel he asked the workers to speak only English around him since he did not understand Spanish.

Then he asked them to do something he has asked workers in his other hotels to do. Whitten asked them to Anglicize their first name. His reasoning was that it was hard for most guest to understand or pronounce their Spanish first names.

The asking of them to change their first name and Whitten's management style was resented by the workers and some were fired. Whitten, in an interview with the AP, said that they were fired for being hostile and insubordinate.

Whitten faces more than just group of picketers outside his hotel. The New Mexico chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens have sent a letter to Whitten regarding the treatment of Hispanic workers.

While Whitten has not broken any laws, he has not helped his standing in the community. Those Hispanics that wish to continue to work at the hotel must speak English and change their name.

Written by Denise Clay
Exclusive to HULIQ