Too short, too long, flashy Rastas? New Yorkers may no longer be disadvantaged because of their hairstyle. This week, a new mandate from the Urban Human Rights Committee is to go into effect prohibiting, for example, discrimination against employees for certain hair lengths and braids.
In schools, in public places and at work, derogatory comments and calls for new hairstyles under racial discrimination are therefore made. Possible penalties up to 250,000 dollars (220,000 euros).
Blacks often disadvantaged
For example, the directive prohibits schools from banning Afros, and discos may discourage guests at the door for natural curly hairdoing. Especially blacks in the US are often disadvantaged because of hairstyles that are closely linked to their cultural identity, and that should be prevented, it is explained. Where it is necessary for reasons of hygiene, caps should continue to be required – but then for all employees regardless of their skin color.
The debate had started, according to the New York Times, because employees of a medical facility and a charity had complained about their employer’s hairstyles.
