How you wear your hair is a reflection of your identity, culture, and heritage—and no employer should be allowed to judge or penalize you for it. Yet, hairstyle discrimination continues to impact workers, particularly Black employees, in workplaces across Atlantic City. At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we are committed to Protecting Your Rights and holding employers accountable for discriminatory grooming policies and bias.
What Is Hairstyle Discrimination?
Hairstyle discrimination occurs when employees are treated unfairly or unequally due to natural hair textures or protective styles such as afros, braids, locs, twists, cornrows, or bantu knots. Often rooted in racial stereotypes, such policies or practices may violate anti-discrimination laws.
Examples of Hairstyle Discrimination
- Refusing to hire someone because of their natural or cultural hairstyle
- Forcing employees to change their hair to meet “professional” standards
- Disciplining workers for wearing protective styles
- Making comments or jokes about natural hair
- Enforcing grooming policies that disproportionately affect Black employees
The CROWN Act in New Jersey
In 2019, New Jersey passed the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), which amends the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) to make it clear that discrimination based on hair texture, type, or style associated with race is illegal.
Under the CROWN Act, it is unlawful for employers to adopt policies or engage in practices that discriminate against hairstyles historically associated with a particular race or culture.
Know Your Rights in Atlantic City
Employers must treat all employees equally and fairly, regardless of how they wear their hair. That includes:
- Providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion, and pay
- Not imposing biased grooming standards
- Refraining from comments or actions that create a hostile work environment
- Respecting cultural expression through appearance
How Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Can Help
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is a leading New Jersey employment law firm representing workers who have experienced discrimination, including under the CROWN Act. If you’ve been harassed, denied opportunities, or disciplined because of your hairstyle, we’ll stand by you and pursue every legal option available. Our attorneys will assess your claim, gather evidence, and fight for compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and any other damages you’ve suffered.
Take a Stand Against Appearance-Based Discrimination
You deserve to be yourself at work—without fear of judgment or penalty. If your hairstyle has become the basis for discrimination, it’s time to take legal action.
Atlantic City Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys, are here to help you assert your rights and demand a workplace that respects your identity.
Contact Information
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
