Race Discrimination Based on Hair is Illegal
Race-based discrimination in the workplace related to hairstyle choices is illegal in Norwood, NJ. This law addresses racial biases in professional environments, offering protection to individuals whose hairstyles may not conform to traditional standards. Have you been denied opportunities, passed over for promotions, or faced other setbacks because of your hairstyle? Are your employer’s grooming policies at odds with your cultural or religious practices?
The New Jersey Commission on Human Rights has set clear guidelines to combat discrimination tied to hair. These regulations ensure that individuals are treated fairly, regardless of their hairstyle or cultural background.
What Does This Mean for You?
Your employer cannot enforce rules that target specific cultural hairstyles like braids, twists, Afros, or cornrows. They are also prohibited from penalizing you for wearing styles linked to your cultural heritage. If you experience discrimination—whether through job termination, denial of advancement, or withheld raises—your rights are protected. Bars, restaurants, and schools cannot deny service or punish you based on your hairstyle. In the workplace, this extends to legal protections against retaliatory actions when you raise concerns.
The law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on racial attributes, including hairstyles common within Black communities (locs, twists, cornrows, Afros) and cultural or religious practices that involve uncut hair. This includes protection for groups such as Native Americans, Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Nazirites, Rastafarians, and other affected communities, including Latinos and Indo-Caribbeans.
In some cases, remarks or actions regarding your hair may escalate to sexual harassment. It’s crucial to act quickly, as federal harassment claims are time-sensitive. Consulting with an attorney specializing in racial discrimination or sexual harassment can help you understand your rights and pursue the appropriate legal course.
Contact Our Experienced Norwood Hair Discrimination Attorneys
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC provides strong legal representation for individuals facing workplace discrimination and harassment. Our experienced attorneys focus on defending those subjected to illegal practices, with a history of achieving significant settlements for our clients.
Get in touch today to begin your claim. Let us advocate for your rights when you need it most.