Waiter praised for taking stand over Down Syndrome discrimination

HOUSTON, Texas — A Texas waiter is garnering online kudos after he took a stand against a family that he said was being discriminatory against a child with Down syndrome.

According to the Houston Chronicle’s “24-95″ food blog, Kim Castilo and her five-year-old son Milo were having dinner at Laurenzo’s Prime Rib restaurant in Houston when the group seated at the booth next to theirs requested to be moved.

“Tonight was a first. A family of 4 asked to be moved from the booth next to us. As it turns out they told the waiter, ‘Special needs kids should be kept in special places’,” said Castillo.

Milo Castillo has Down syndrome, and his mother says that while he can be a little loud – like any other five-year-old child – he wasn’t acting out.

Castillo says that after hearing the group’s insult against her son, waiter Michael Garcia refused to serve them. Garcia says that the Castillo’s are regular customers at Laurenzo’s.

“I had considered whether or not I would lose my job, but I knew it wasn’t right,” said Garcia.

The restaurant and Garcia have been receiving praise on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

“As a parent of a special needs child, it is so heartwarming to hear a story like that of your phenomenal waiter! I hope to come visit your restaurant some day!!!” wrote Michelle Kerro.

“We need more Michael Garcia’s in this world. What a lovely soul,” wrote Sharon Bale.