A GameStop manager in Dallas has been suspended for refusing to sell videogames to schoolkids with poor grades.
“He needs to be reading a book. He knows how to play Madden before he knows how to do his ABCs and 123s – that’s backwards,” said store manager Brandon Scott, who imposed a policy of refusing to sell games to school-aged children unless an adult would confirm the child’s good grades. As a result, he has so far refused about two dozen game sales, he said, although most of them had returned with proof of good grades to make their purchase.
While many local parents applauded the move, GameStop has suspended Scott following reports of his actions. In a statement, the company said it is “learning about and evaluating Mr. Scott’s concept. As always, GameStop maintains its corporate commitment to assisting parents and other consumers in making informed choices.” Scott himself said he wasn’t certain whether the suspension was the result of his policy, which he first implemented earlier this summer, or because he spoke to the media about it.
Along with his grades policy, Scott maintained other self-imposed rules of conduct in his store. “They know when they come in here, they do not curse, they do not use the N-word, pull your clothes up,” he said. He also said he’d buy a brand new game for any student who showed him a straight-A report card with a teacher’s signature and a parent present.
The suspension has not lessened Scott’s commitment to “making a difference,” he said. “I wouldn’t say rebel, but I can be rebellious. I can fight for what I believe in.”
