About COIR & " No Colors"

The following letters were sent to Scooter News from Deb “Tiger” Chandler, Undersecretary of COIR-Colorado. The topic is one of concern to all riders, and present ideas that should force all of us to give pause and consider them carefully. In the interest of healthy debate, Scooter News is printing them here.

Hello Tiger,
I saw an article on your work in the Southwest Scooter News and was impressed with your organization.
I’m writing to you just as an FYI, and wondering how you handle the ‘no colors’ signs. I’m not affiliated with any club, but am offended when that statement is used at supposedly biker friendly establishments. I’m planning on going to Sturgis again this year and found a new place called Monkey Rock, guess what used to be Thunder Road. On their site www.monkeyrock.us right at the top in the banner there’s a “NO COLORS, NO WEAPONS, NO ATTITUDES.” I asked them specifically about the ‘no colors’ rule where you can read the thread on my profile under MsColoMouse. Here’s the reply from chrismonkeyrock:
“Hello Ms. Colomouse,
The Monkey Rock 'No Colors' policy has been instituted as a result of the shooting last year and is a policy that has now been adopted by most operators in the area. Law enforcement authorities in the area have also favored the policy and we're doing our part to assist in creating a comfortable experience for everyone in attendance. As far as definition of no colors at Monkey Rock, it is a blanket policy that applies to all patch wearers in the effort to be fair to all and knowing that it is an issue that is sensitive to many who belong to a club.”
Like I said, I’m not a member of any motorcycle clubs, but I do ride with the Patriot Guard occasionally, and proudly wear a pin I was given on my first mission. I understand any private establishment can refuse service to anyone for any reason, but their blatant “NO COLORS” just really got under my skin. Does that mean anyone with a Christian Motorcyclist Association won’t be allowed in? They wear “colors”. I’ve got an American flag on my vest, does that make me a “patch wearer”?
It just seems dumb to make a blanket statement like that. I know you stand up for biker rights and thought you’d like to know. I would be interested to hear what the COIR position is on “NO COLORS” statements and establishments such as the Monkey Rock.
Thanks and ride safe,
~Michelle, aka, “MsColoMouse”

Dear Michelle,
I am sorry that I did not get back to you sooner but I wanted to take your email to the Confederation of Clubs - US Defenders-COIR meeting.
I could give you a lengthy history lesson on “NO Colors” policies, and if you want it I will most sincerely do that, but I think the “short-n-to-the-point” version is best.
It is the COC, US Defenders, COIR and my personal policy that if any establishment discriminates (bikers welcome, NO COLORS), we will not give that establishment our business at all. This means until they reverse that policy we will not enter, even for a benefit run. We will help that run in other ways but not that establishment. We will also notify all bikers that that establishment does practice discrimination. We are making a list here in Colorado of such establishments, and trying to open communication with them to reverse their policy.
The question occurs - why do they want to restrict those who wear colors? Is it the police blackmail, is it propaganda, or have ALL the clubs come into their establishment and been 86'd? 99.999...% of the time it is not that they have even had trouble from anyone who wears color's - so why the policy?
With the media hype and police blackmail, we are seeing more and more signs going up that discriminate. It is sad to say that in this time of our history that this is going on un-noticed by the public and the government is getting away with such demands.
As the Undersecretary of COIR-Colorado I forward notices of runs for the COIR members but will also add a note that a stop does discriminate. We cannot make people not attend or enter an establishment that discriminates but we can advise and hope that they too see the error in that policy.
The news is littered with situations like this – and worse - that could effect everyone - business owners, bikers (all bikers no matter independent, church, vet, hog, Colors), just about anyone…even the plumbers convention (for example). How can our government get away with this behavior - only WE can correct this!
I hope that this rambling has helped, if you have any more questions or would just like to talk about this more please do not hesitate to contact me either by email at dac-dsc@comcast.net, or call 303.637.9685.
I am also going to forward (without your personal info) this onto the COC, US Defenders and COIR-Colorado and Southwest Scooter News. And, I have attached our info sheet/application for COIR-Colorado.
Thank you for your info and concerns,
Deb “Tiger” Chandler,
US Defenders
Undersecretary of COIR-Colorado