Fighting Hairstyle Discrimination in Egg Harbor Township: Know Your Rights

In today’s diverse workforce, employees should be able to express their cultural, racial, and personal identities without fear of discrimination. Unfortunately, hairstyle discrimination remains an issue in many workplaces. Discrimination based on natural hair textures, protective styles, or cultural hairstyles is both unfair and, in many cases, illegal. If you’ve experienced hairstyle discrimination in Egg Harbor Township, you have legal rights. An experienced employment lawyer can help you protect those rights and fight for justice.

What is Hairstyle Discrimination?

Hairstyle discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of their natural hair texture or hairstyle associated with their race, ethnicity, or cultural identity. This includes protective styles such as:

Braids
Locks (locs or dreadlocks)
Twists
Afros
Cornrows
Bantu knots

Discrimination can occur in hiring practices, workplace policies, promotions, or even day-to-day interactions.

Legal Protections Against Hairstyle Discrimination

Recent legal developments have strengthened protections against hairstyle discrimination:

New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Amended to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on hair texture, type, and protective hairstyles commonly associated with race, such as braids, locks, and twists.
The CROWN Act: “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” Act, passed in New Jersey in 2019, makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals based on their hair texture or style, particularly styles historically associated with race.

Examples of Hairstyle Discrimination in the Workplace

Hairstyle discrimination can manifest in various ways, including:

Hiring Bias: Refusing to hire qualified candidates because of their natural hair or protective styles.
Dress Code Violations: Enforcing grooming policies that disproportionately affect certain racial or ethnic groups, such as banning afros, braids, or locks.
Retaliation: Punishing employees for refusing to change their natural hair or protective styles.
Harassment: Making derogatory comments, jokes, or inappropriate remarks about an employee’s hairstyle.
Unequal Treatment: Denying promotions, training opportunities, or leadership roles based on hairstyle bias.

Recognizing Subtle Signs of Hairstyle Discrimination

While some forms of discrimination are blatant, others may be more subtle. Signs of hairstyle discrimination include:

Unwritten expectations about “professional” appearances that target specific hairstyles
Microaggressions, such as unwanted touching or comments about hair texture
Negative performance reviews citing appearance-related issues unrelated to job performance
Disciplinary actions for hairstyles that do not affect safety or job responsibilities

What to Do If You Experience Hairstyle Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been subjected to hairstyle discrimination, take the following steps to protect your rights:

Document the Discrimination: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, individuals involved, and any witnesses.
Review Company Policies: Check your employer’s grooming, dress code, and anti-discrimination policies to understand how they apply to your situation.
File an Internal Complaint: Report the discrimination to your HR department or supervisor, and follow up in writing to create a record.
Seek Legal Advice: If your complaint is ignored or if you face retaliation, consult an experienced employment lawyer to explore your legal options.

How an Employment Lawyer Can Help

Proving hairstyle discrimination can be challenging, especially when employers try to justify their actions with vague “professionalism” standards. An experienced employment lawyer can:

Evaluate your case to determine if your rights were violated under the CROWN Act, NJLAD, or other applicable laws
Help gather evidence, such as emails, policy documents, and witness statements
File complaints with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or other relevant agencies
Negotiate settlements for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages
Represent you in court if your case proceeds to litigation

Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney?

When facing hairstyle discrimination in the workplace, you need legal advocates committed to Protecting Your Rights. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC has extensive experience representing employees in discrimination cases throughout Egg Harbor Township and New Jersey. Their legal team is dedicated to holding employers accountable and securing justice for individuals who have experienced unfair treatment based on their natural hair or protective styles.

Take Action Today—Don’t Let Hairstyle Discrimination Go Unchallenged

Your hairstyle is a reflection of your identity, culture, and heritage. If you’ve experienced hairstyle discrimination in the workplace, don’t hesitate to seek legal support. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights.