Customized credit cards are nothing new. It's right up there with customized license plates and personalized mugs for your parents when you're a dollar short for a great gift.
Major banking companies actually encourage you to personalize your credit and debit cards to your liking. Wells Fargo advertises on their website, “You can put one of your own photos or other images right on your card” before listing ideas such as a favorite photo of family or friends, your pet, child’s artwork or even an image of your favorite hobby, sport, or other interest.
So why is it when Baltimore city school teacher, Rachel Nash, tried to make a statement with a customized “Black Lives Matter” card, she was instantly rejected?
Like many other citizens of Baltimore, Nash’s life was impacted by the 2015 death of Freddie Gray, from an injury inflicted on him while in police custody. In response, Nash, a 29-year-old white English teacher, wanted to stand in solidarity with not only the nation but to reassure her students that she was there for them.
Photo: PBS
In an interview with the Washington Post, Nash stated that she wanted to raise awareness and extend the conversation to cashiers and others whenever she pulls out her card to buy groceries, coffee, dinner, etc.
“A lot of white people in Baltimore have really problematic views about race, and they feel like because I’m a white person I agree with them automatically,” Nash said. “This is one way I can demonstrate regularly that I am not complicit in whatever their views are.”
Two days after submitting the raised fist and three-word slogan card design, she received an email informing her that her design did not meet the company’s terms and guidelines. Nash instantly called customer service to get answers. She recalled the response: “As soon as I said 'Black Lives Matter,' [the customer service agent] said, 'Oh, that's why it got rejected.' She said Wells Fargo 'didn’t want to be associated with any antisocial or offensive organizations.'" Stunned by such a response, Nash then asked to speak to a supervisor who also reassured her that the card design was “offensive and antisocial.”
Kris Dahl, Wells Fargo spokesman for deposit products and more, released an email statement saying that the company will be apologizing to Nash for how she was treated on the phone because “it did not correctly reflect the reason for the decline and was counter to our commitment to treating our customers with respect.” He went on to say,
“The purpose of our Card Design Studio service is to give customers the opportunity to personalize their cards, and its guidelines aim to preserve the political neutrality of our products,” the statement said. “Wells Fargo respects individuals’ right to their opinions and causes, and when Wells Fargo rejects or approves an image, that’s not a reflection of Wells Fargo’s rejection or endorsement of the customer’s political view or cause.”
Wells Fargo has recently added to their website a footnote about specific image guidelines. “Wells Fargo reserves the right to accept or reject any artwork, images, or logos. For example, any third party trademarks, copyrighted materials, or name, image and likeness of any public figures, will not be approved.”
Photo: Rachel Nash
We understand that Wells Fargo wants to protect their brand but where do they draw the line? Are LGBT and pro-life designs welcomed as well? How about confederate flags?
Rachel Nash says that she will continue to submit designs in different slogans and images to represent the importance of black lives until they accept one. Honestly, I commend Nash's bravery and we should all take a page from her book.
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