Indiana Mall Bans Hoodies — Could Eastland Mall Be Next?

A controversial sign posted by an Indiana mall cautioning patrons to drop their hoodie before entering has some customers screaming discrimination. The Mounds Mall in Anderson, Indiana recently displayed signs at all of their entrances stating, “For the safety and well-being of everyone, please lower your hoodie.”

According to mall general manager Braun Roosa, local law enforcement requested the signs be put up to assist them with identifying suspects taking part in criminal activity in the mall – similar to how some banks have banned sunglasses.

However, some mall patrons are offended by the verbiage of the signs, saying that it is discriminatory to ban hoodies but not other headwear. “It is mainly the younger generations that wear hoodies,” said Ranny Hinton Jr. “I don’t think they should have it on there at all. There ain’t nothing on there about ski masks or beanies. Why does it matter about hoodies?”

Some people say that ever since the incident involving George Zimmerman and the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, the hoodie has become an icon for the common street thug -- that this gangster fashion does nothing but show civil society who is a menace.

What do you think: Should Eastland Mall institute a similar ban?