Mall Manager Fired After Race Reference In Santa Flier

The Prince of Orange Mall manager was terminated Thursday evening following the distribution of a controversial mall Santa search flier.

Sylvia Krajna was immediately removed from her position as mall manager following the distribution of the flier asking for “preferably Caucasian” individuals to apply for mall Santa, mall ownership confirmed Friday.

The flier noted the mall is “desperately looking for a good Santa this year (if we get two ‘good men’ they can share the hours).”

It identified the basic qualifications as “hygienically clean; preferably Caucasian; jolly — enjoys being with children; natural beard a plus, but not necessary; okay to carry a few extra pounds! We’ll even provide extra milk and cookies as a bonus!”

The flier raised the immediate ire of some mall tenants.

Travis Griffin, who has leased a cell phone kiosk at the mall for about a year, said the flier is a “slap in the face” for all African-Americans who both work and shop at the mall. “This has drawn the line,” he said.

The Augusta, Ga.-based mall owner Hull Storey Retail Group received the flier via fax Thursday evening and upon receipt terminated the manager immediately, said John Gibson, Hull Storey president and chief executive officer.

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