Race Discrimination Based on Hair is Illegal
Employees in Somers Point, NJ are protected from race-based discrimination tied to hairstyles and grooming practices. New Jersey law prohibits employers from enforcing grooming standards that target hairstyles associated with race, culture, or religion. These protections address workplace policies and conduct that disproportionately impact Black employees and other protected groups.
If you were denied a job, disciplined, passed over for promotion, or treated differently because of your hair or hairstyle, you may have a valid discrimination claim. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights has made clear that discrimination involving hair texture, protective hairstyles, or cultural grooming practices can violate the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD).
Employers cannot punish workers for wearing hairstyles such as locs, braids, twists, cornrows, Bantu knots, or Afros. They also cannot require employees to alter hairstyles tied to religious or cultural identity. These protections extend beyond the workplace. Businesses, schools, and other institutions cannot impose discriminatory policies targeting protected hairstyles or hair textures.
New Jersey law also protects individuals whose religious or cultural practices involve uncut or traditionally styled hair, including Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Rastafarians, Native Americans, and others. Discrimination affecting Latino, Indo-Caribbean, and other ethnic communities may also violate state anti-discrimination laws.
Hair discrimination is often accompanied by harassment, offensive comments, unequal discipline, or retaliation after complaints are made. In some situations, conduct involving racial stereotypes or unwanted comments about appearance may also support a harassment claim. Because employment discrimination claims are subject to strict filing deadlines, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents employees in Somers Point, NJ who have experienced workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Our attorneys handle claims involving racial discrimination, hostile work environments, and unlawful employment practices throughout New Jersey. We work to recover compensation, protect your rights, and hold employers accountable for discriminatory conduct.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC today to discuss your potential claim.