Nobody wants hair in their food, but one In-N-Out worker is claiming that the uniform regulations strayed into the realms of discrimination.
It’s important, no matter what your hair type, to ensure it doesn’t get in people’s food. Typically, this is achieved by either keeping it covered or keeping it short. There are hair nets and hats for all hair types out there.
However, Elijah Obeng claims that the In-N-Out he worked at for four years discriminated against him due to his natural hair, and is looking to sue for damages. He states that they treated him unfairly, simply due to his heritage.
Despite following the company uniform policy, he says that he was targeted.
Problems With His Hair In-N-Out Of His Uniform
According to the lawsuit, Obeng initially began working for the company after graduation. He followed guidelines that state men should be clean-shaven and keep their hair under their hats. As his hair grew, he was told he had to keep his hair short or alter it to match In-N-Out’s policy.
So, in response, he braided it and kept it out of the way and sanitary. However, for the manager of the In-N-Out, it wasn’t enough. They also claimed he needed to shave his sideburns to align with their strict hair rules. Obeng found this request to be humiliating, and he refused.
From that point on, Obeng claims he received different treatment by In-N-Out management due to his hair choices. According to the lawsuit, he was overlooked for promotion, overly reprimanded for minor issues, and heavily scrutinized.
After four years of working for In-N-Out, Obeng was sent home to shave his sideburns. Uncomfortable with the request, he didn’t return to work. He felt his rights as a human being were being encroached on, and he was being unfairly scrutinized for his race.
He felt he had been humiliated in front of other staff and was not happy to return to the fast food restaurant. After a few days, he was fired for previous write-ups, according to In-N-Out. But, according to Obeng, it was for his “ancestry, color, and race, including his natural hairstyle and hair texture.”
He is looking to claim $3 million in damages and $200,000 in earnings.