Hairstyle discrimination is an often-overlooked form of discrimination in the workplace, but it affects many employees in Fairfield Township. While personal appearance is a common factor in many hiring and employment decisions, certain hairstyles should not be a reason for an employee to face unfair treatment or harassment. If you’ve been discriminated against because of your hairstyle, it's important to understand your legal rights and take action to protect yourself.

What Is Hairstyle Discrimination?

Hairstyle discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly because of their hairstyle. Often, this type of discrimination targets employees with hairstyles traditionally worn by Black people, such as braids, locs, afros, or twists. However, employees of all races and backgrounds can be subjected to hairstyle discrimination.

Examples of hairstyle discrimination include:

• Being fired or demoted because of your hairstyle
• Being denied a job opportunity because of your hairstyle
• Being forced to change or cut your hair to fit an employer’s policy
• Harassment or offensive comments related to your hairstyle

Legal Protections Against Hairstyle Discrimination

In recent years, laws have been enacted to address and prevent hairstyle discrimination in the workplace. These protections include:

• The CROWN Act: The Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act is a law that prohibits discrimination based on hairstyles, including braids, locs, afros, and other protective hairstyles, in the workplace and public schools. The law aims to combat bias against natural hairstyles traditionally worn by Black people.
• The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): NJLAD offers strong protections against discrimination in the workplace and includes provisions related to discrimination based on race and ethnicity, which can extend to hairstyle discrimination.

What to Do If You Experience Hairstyle Discrimination

If you believe you have experienced hairstyle discrimination in the workplace, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

• Document any incidents of discrimination or harassment related to your hairstyle
• Report the discrimination to your employer’s HR department or supervisor in writing
• Keep a record of all relevant communication, including emails or performance reviews
• Consult with an experienced employment law attorney to explore your legal options

Legal Support for Fairfield Township Employees

Castronovo McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys specialize in representing employees who have faced hairstyle discrimination in Fairfield Township. If you have been treated unfairly because of your hairstyle, their experienced legal team can help you seek justice and ensure that your rights are upheld in the workplace.

Contact Castronovo McKinney Today

If you have been discriminated against because of your hairstyle, don’t wait to take action. Contact Castronovo McKinney for a consultation and learn how to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924

New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781