APPEARANCE DISCRIMINATION
Discrimination against a person because of their weight, body art, their style of dress,
and even their hairstyle is
a far too common practice in the American workplace.
Companies who engage in such discriminatory practices as
hiring and promoting based on appearance are now beginning
to face more lawsuits than ever. A person’s appearance can
influence not only the hiring process, but wages, promotions
and sometimes benefits as well.
This type of discrimination not only refers to unfair
treatment of the overweight and those with tattoos, but to
people deemed “too attractive” or “too ugly” to be taken
seriously in their job. Sometimes women who are too feminine
are denied jobs that employers feel are to “tough,” while
some women who are not considered attractive are passed over
for prettier women in jobs that involve customer or client
interaction.
While there are currently no federal laws on the books that
specifically protect employees suffering appearance
discrimination, not all hope is lost. Many lawyers will
represent these individuals based in part on the results of
some recent court cases.
·
Waitresses sued a casino that forced them to undergo weekly
weigh-ins
·
A chain store was sued over their policy of no facial
jewelry (except earrings) by an employee on the grounds of
religious beliefs
As more and more of these appearance-based cases go to
court, it is likely that the future will see protective
legislation.
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