A sign outside the entrance of the Mounds Mall in Anderson, Indiana, has sparked a larger discussion about safety and race.
The signs, which have been in place since 2004, warn visitors "for the safety and well-being of everyone, please lower your hoodie."
However, if visitors do not to comply, they are promptly shown the door.
CNN Legal Analyst Sunny Hostin says it's obvious what this rule is about; it's about race.
"This is about the pretext of being able to stop young African American males. Hoodie is code for thug in many places and I think businesses shouldn't be in the business of telling people what to wear."
Watch the full interview above and let us know in the comments if you agree with Hostin or if you think the rule is about general safety instead?
Seriously! ?!? Stop playing the race card! It doesnt matter if your black, white, purple, pink etc theres no reason to wear your hoodie up while in a store. Its all about safety of workers and employees and thats it.
I don't agree that this ban by the mall is racially motivated. I have a friend (retired truck driver) was hijacked by white men wearing hoodies. They made it clear that if he died in the confrontation they didn't care. Since then he has anxiety attacks every time he sees someone in a hoodie regardless of color. "Hollywood" often depicts criminals with hoodies pulled up (and the actors are most often white) Your not spewing accusations at the entertainment industry are you?I have to say I'm more fearful anyone white or black walking around with a hoodie pulled up, especially in the warmer weather.