Hair Discrimination Based on Race Is Illegal
Hair discrimination is a form of racial discrimination prohibited under New Jersey law. If you were denied a job, promotion, equal treatment, or another employment opportunity because of your hairstyle, you may have legal grounds for a claim. Employers cannot enforce grooming or appearance policies that discriminate against hairstyles associated with a person’s race, ethnicity, culture, or religion.
In Bergen County, NJ, employees are protected by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and guidance from the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, which prohibit discrimination based on natural hair and hairstyles connected to racial, cultural, or religious identity. These protections apply in the workplace and help ensure individuals are not treated unfairly because of their appearance.
What This Means for You
- Employers cannot refuse to hire, discipline, demote, or terminate someone because they wear hairstyles such as dreadlocks, cornrows, afros, braids, twists, or other natural or protective styles.
- Workplace grooming policies cannot disproportionately target hairstyles associated with a particular race, ethnicity, culture, or religion.
- Employees are protected from retaliation for reporting or opposing unlawful discrimination.
- Harassment or repeated comments about your hair may contribute to a hostile work environment and, depending on the circumstances, may support a workplace harassment claim.
These protections extend to hairstyles commonly associated with Black individuals, Native Americans, Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Nazirites, Rastafarians, Latinos, Indo-Caribbeans, and other cultural or religious communities. If you have experienced discrimination or harassment because of your hair or hairstyle, it is important to speak with an employment attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal rights and applicable filing deadlines.
Contact Our Bergen County, NJ Hair Discrimination Attorneys
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents employees throughout Bergen County, NJ who have experienced workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. If you were treated unfairly because of your hairstyle or your employer enforced discriminatory grooming policies, our attorneys can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and pursue the compensation and relief available under New Jersey law. Contact us today to discuss your situation.
