Is it wrong to discriminate against hairstyles in the workplace?
Let’s suppose that you were seeking a job in the moving industry. What if the employer told you that they would only hire you if you cut your hair? Most of us would probably be happy to comply. However, let’s suppose that you were a part of the Rastafarian movement, and it was against your religious beliefs to cut your hair? Does this count as religious persecution?
Currently, the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission is in the process of suing Lawrence Transportation Systems for refusing to hire Christopher Woodson due to his dreadlocks hairstyle. The company defended its decision by stating that “[their] policy states that hair, facial hair, beards and general grooming must be neat, clean and trimmed.” However, Woodson is in an interesting position, because due to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, his employers are required to make “reasonable accommodations” to religious beliefs. Therefore, since the Rastafarian movement encourages its followers to avoid cutting their hair, Woodson has the right keep his hairstyle.
Lawrence Transportation Systems defended themselves again by stating that his hair would cause an “undue hardship on the company,” basically meaning that some customers would feel uncomfortable with Woodson’s hair. Personally, I would feel fine with Woodson moving my furniture around, as long as his hair was clean. It will certainly be fascinating to see how this controversial issue ends.
http://www.inc.com/news/article/2010/10/virginia-company-sued-for-refusing-to-hire-man-with-dreadlocks.html