Race-based hairstyle discrimination violates New Jersey law, and employees in Galloway Township are fully protected against biased grooming or appearance policies. Employers are prohibited from disciplining, demoting, firing, or otherwise penalizing workers for natural hairstyles or culturally and religiously significant grooming practices. Protected styles include locs, braids, cornrows, Afros, twists, and uncut hair maintained for religious reasons by Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Native Americans, Rastafarians, and others.
Even when a policy appears neutral, it can still be illegal if it disproportionately affects individuals based on race, ethnicity, or religion. If you were denied advancement, written up, reassigned, or terminated because of your hairstyle, this may qualify as unlawful discrimination under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD).
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights has issued clear guidance: businesses—including those in retail, hospitality, restaurants, and personal care—may not refuse service, limit access, or treat individuals differently because of their hairstyle. These protections extend beyond the workplace. Schools in Galloway Township cannot discipline, suspend, or pressure students to change hairstyles that express cultural or ethnic identity.
Retaliation is also unlawful. If your employer responds to a complaint or inquiry by cutting your hours, changing your responsibilities, issuing false performance reviews, or terminating you, that conduct may support an additional legal claim. The law protects your right to report discrimination or harassment without fear of punishment.
In some situations, hairstyle-based discrimination overlaps with harassment or sexual harassment—particularly when coworkers or supervisors make repeated, offensive, or inappropriate remarks about your appearance. These overlapping forms of mistreatment may lead to further liability and additional compensation.
Deadlines apply to all workplace discrimination claims. If you experienced grooming or hairstyle discrimination in Galloway Township, you should speak with an employment attorney without delay.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC focuses exclusively on employment law and regularly handles NJLAD cases involving grooming and hairstyle bias. The firm represents workers in Galloway Township who face discriminatory dress codes, grooming mandates, wrongful terminations, and retaliation. Attorneys work to obtain full legal remedies, including financial compensation, policy changes, and court-ordered relief through settlement or litigation.
To discuss your case, contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC and speak directly with an attorney who understands workplace discrimination laws in New Jersey.