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In what may be a first in the country, New York City is banning policies and practices that penalize black people based on the texture and style of their hair, saying such actions violate their human rights and are against the law
Quote:
The New York City Commission on Human Rights announced Monday that it is issuing guidance stating that the same law that prohibits discrimination based on race, gender or religion also applies to hair--an extension, and intrinsic part, of black identity.
I have hair like the woman pictured in the article [amazing hair, I might add] ...And, while I have never faced discrimination over my hair, it is an issue in some places.
I have hair like the woman pictured in the article [amazing hair, I might add] ...And, while I have never faced discrimination over my hair, it is an issue in some places.
It’s an important issue to those it affects.
I’m not sure why you see a negative in this.
I don't get that, either. If there is some sort of rule dictating the length of an employee's hair (something I have never heard of for women), that's one thing, as long as it's applied to everyone. I get that some workplaces want a more conservative look - no blue hair, no hot pink hair, etc.
But - and this is an important but - why should there be an issue with natural black hair? That's like telling a white person that he or she must get a curly perm to get or keep a job. Is anyone here okay with that?
I don't get that, either. If there is some sort of rule dictating the length of an employee's hair (something I have never heard of for women), that's one thing, as long as it's applied to everyone. I get that some workplaces want a more conservative look - no blue hair, no hot pink hair, etc.
But - and this is an important but - why should there be an issue with natural black hair? That's like telling a white person that he or she must get a curly perm to get or keep a job. Is anyone here okay with that?
Exactly. In the past, black people (maybe more black women, even though it happens to men, too) have been told our hair in its natural state is unkempt, messy, unprofessional because it may not lay like other textures of hair.
Eh, it may not make a lot of sense or be a big deal to some, but it’s a big deal to those who face this sort of discrimination.
Having said that, I didn’t know this sort of discrimination is still prevalent, but I’m glad to see NYC taking actions to stop it.
This is not a bad thing, and this ban doesn’t negatively impact anyone. I don’t get why the OP is outraged by this.
I’m black and I work with blacks, no one has ever been fired over their hair.
How can we progress as a society if everyone is out to be a victim?
Yeah, I know you say you’re black.
I’m also black (a black woman), and our hair has been criticized for being messy, unkemp, unprofessional. Congrats on the anecdotal story about your workplace. That doesn’t negate the experiences of those who face (and have faced) discrimination over their hair.
I’m also black (a black woman), and our hair has been criticized for being messy, unkemp, unprofessional. Congrats on the anecdotal story about your workplace. That doesn’t negate the experiences of those who face (and have faced) discrimination over their hair.
This is nothing for you to be outraged over, OP.
So you think laws are the solution?
You do know blacks will be hired even less right? Why would companies bother hiring a demographic with so many laws, restrictions, and demands.
I will absolutely be outraged at the end result of this being less black hirings. Some of us actually care about the black community.
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...And, while I have never faced discrimination over my hair, it is an issue in some places. 
