Race Discrimination Based on Hairstyle Is Illegal in Union County, NJ
Legislation in Union County, NJ, prohibits race-based discrimination related to hairstyle choices in the workplace. This law aims to eliminate racial biases in professional settings. If you’ve been denied a job, passed over for promotion, or faced other setbacks because your hairstyle doesn’t conform to traditional standards, you have legal protections. Employers cannot impose grooming policies that conflict with your cultural or religious practices. The New Jersey Commission on Human Rights has issued guidelines to ensure equitable treatment for all workers, regardless of their hairstyle.
Employer Restrictions on Hairstyle Discrimination
Employers cannot enforce policies that target cultural hairstyles, such as braids, locs, or twists. This includes disciplinary actions like termination, withholding salary increases, or denying promotions due to your hairstyle. Restaurants and bars are prohibited from denying entry based on your hair. Schools cannot force students to change their hairstyles or discipline them for cultural or religious hair practices. You have legal protection if you face retaliation for raising these issues.
Legal Protections for Cultural Hairstyles
The law prohibits discrimination against hairstyles commonly associated with Black communities, including Afros, cornrows, locs, twists, and braids. It also extends to individuals whose religious or cultural beliefs involve uncut hair, such as Native Americans, Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Nazirites, Rastafarians, and others, including Latino and Indo-Caribbean communities. These protections ensure that all individuals can express their identity through their hairstyle without fear of discrimination.
Addressing Harassment Over Your Hairstyle
Comments or actions targeting your hairstyle can escalate to harassment or even sexual harassment. Federal harassment claims have strict time limits, so it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. If you’ve been subjected to harassment due to your hairstyle, consulting an attorney specializing in racial discrimination and harassment can help you understand your options and pursue legal action.
Contact Our Union County Hair Discrimination Attorneys
At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we provide aggressive legal representation for individuals facing racial discrimination or sexual harassment due to their hairstyle. Our experienced attorneys focus on securing fair settlements for victims of workplace discrimination. If you believe you’ve been mistreated because of your hair, contact us today to discuss your case. Let us protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.