Hypocritical bank policy suggests fear of Ohio citizens

by Chad D. Baus

UPDATE:
National City Bank reconsidering Ohio CCW stance?

The following story should be read in the context of this reality: According to the FBI, under the 150-year old concealed carry ban, Ohio earned one of the highest rates of bank robbery in the nation. Do these banks really believe that signs will deter the criminals?

Founded in 1845 and headquartered in Cleveland, National City Bank has long done business in concealed carry states and has NOT posted signs in Michigan, nor are we aware of signs in Pennsylvania, Indiana or Kentucky.

But now that the company's own hometown citizens are allowed their right to self-protection, OFCC has learned that National City is making plans to deny their Ohio customers the same right to self-protection which they have allowed in other states for years. What's worse, they seem very uncertain about the reasons why. Consider this email exchange with one concerned customer:

----- Original Message -----
From:

Dear Mr. XXXXX,

We appreciate you taking the time to email us concerning
Ohio's Concealed Carry Law.

In accordance with Ohio's Concealed Carry Law, you are prohibited by law
from carrying a firearm in the following institutions:

Houses of Worship
Schools or Institutions of Higher Education
Federal Buildings
Banks
Institutions where alcohol is consumed

The decision to legally ban firearms from a banking institution is not one
of National City's. It is a regulation put forth by the State of Ohio. If you disagree with this legislation, please contact your local representative, or a representative of the State of Ohio to voice your
concerns.

If you have any additional questions, please email us or contact us at the
number below. Our representatives are available to assist you Monday
through Friday 7am to 12am, and Saturday and Sunday 8am to 9pm.

Thank you for contacting us. Visit us again at www.nationalcity.com or call us directly, 1-888-622-4932.

Karen - Online Banking Support

And the good guy reply:

Thank you for responding.

You have been misinformed about the law as to its prohibiting carry into
banks.

Section 2923.126(B)(1) of the Ohio Revised Code states:
"A valid license does not authorize the licensee to carry a concealed
handgun into any of the following places:"

[list of victim zones redacted for space]

As you can see, there is no mention of banks on this list. The Ohio
Concealed Carry Law does not specifically prevent carrying in banks unless
the bank chooses to ban carry on the premises as a private business, in
which case it would be choosing to alienate many law-abiding citizens and
lose much business.

Could you please advise me of NCC's formal corporate policy regarding
personal defense for customers in it's branches? Thank you for your time.

Trapped by the truth, the bank finally admits what is really going on:

Dear Mr. XXXXX,

National City believes in the safety of its customers. We have taken a
stance on preventing employees and customers from concealing a weapon on
our premises. Therefore, no weapons may be brought onto National City
property or inside a National City building. If you have additional concerns, please contact Corporate Headquarters at the following address:

National City Center
1900 East Ninth St
Cleveland, OH 44114-3484
(216) 222-2000

Ms. Matthews - Online Banking Support

---------------

Notice the one group NOT mentioned in this email as being targeted by the bank for disarmament is criminals - just employees and customers. Sounds like an excellent safety & security policy, doesn't it?

It should be noted that signs have not yet been posted at the bank's Ohio branches, but all indications suggest a decision HAS been made to do so.

Perhaps the most grating irony about National City's hypocracy is found on their website description of the company's viewpoint on diversity.

"Diversity at National City" is about inclusion. Inclusion is embracing differences and similarities to fully utilize the talents of all for organizational success. Diversity supports our business agenda and promotes market growth by building inclusive relationships. Our business strategy of providing service excellence and strong returns through sustained market growth is integrally linked to the effective delivery of our Customer Champion Brand promise. “At National City we care about doing what’s right for our customers.” Inclusive practices enhance our perspectives, our products, our team spirit and, ultimately, our ability to deliver
superb performance.

Apparently diversity at National City Bank will not apply to Ohioans who choose to exercise their right to bear arms for self-defense.

Contact National City bank here to share your thoughts about their discrimination against law-abiding Ohioans.

Fifth Third Bank "traces its origins to the Bank of the Ohio Valley, which opened its doors in Cincinnati in 1858."

In addition to Ohio, the bank does business in the CCW states of Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Tennessee and Florida. Customer service reps in Michigan have told callers that they are unaware of any signs in that state, but one internal source says that the bank does ban in Kentucky and other CCW states.

------- Original message -------
From: [email protected]
Date: Wed, 5 May 2004

Dear XXXXX XXXXX:

Thank you for using Fifth Third Internet Banking and for providing us the opportunity to service your needs. In response to your recent inquiry,
the safety of our customers is important to Fifth Third Bank.

In order to limit the anxiety and address the concerns of the majority of our
customers, we have chosen to not allow the carrying of concealed weapons in our banking centers.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your business and look forward to serving you in the future. If you require any further assistance, please email us 24 hours a day or contact a Customer Service Professional at 1.800.972.3030, Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 12:00AM, ET, and Saturday or Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ET.

At Fifth Third Bank We're "Working Hard To Be The Only Bank You'll Ever Need. "

Melissa H. - Fifth Third Internet Banking

------------------

At the family's request, Ohioans For Concealed Carry is in the process of moving the Tony Gordon Memorial Fund away from this bank. As one customer in Michigan recently learned the hard way, it can be quite dangerous to bank at Fifth Third without protection. More information to follow.

Please contact a Customer Service representative by using their secure online form or call 1-800-972-3030.