Race-based hairstyle discrimination is illegal under New Jersey law, and workers in Atlantic City are fully protected against biased grooming or appearance standards. Employers cannot discipline, fire, or otherwise penalize employees for wearing natural hairstyles or styles tied to racial, cultural, or religious identity. This includes locs, braids, cornrows, Afros, twists, and similar styles commonly associated with Black culture—as well as uncut hair worn for religious reasons by Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Native Americans, and Rastafarians.
Policies that appear neutral but result in unequal treatment of specific racial or religious groups may still be unlawful. If you were denied a promotion, reprimanded, demoted, or terminated because of your hairstyle, you may have grounds for a claim under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD).
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights has made it clear: businesses—including those in retail, restaurants, hospitality, and personal services—cannot deny service, refuse entry, or treat someone differently based on their hairstyle. These rules also apply to schools in Atlantic City. School officials cannot pressure students to alter their appearance or punish them for styles that reflect cultural or ethnic identity.
Retaliation is also prohibited. If your employer cuts your hours, changes your job duties, files false performance reviews, or terminates you after you speak up, those actions may be considered retaliatory under the law. You have the right to report this type of treatment without fear of punishment.
In some cases, hairstyle-related discrimination crosses into harassment or even sexual harassment—particularly when comments are invasive, repeated, or inappropriate. These overlapping forms of mistreatment may support additional legal claims and increase potential damages.
Legal deadlines apply to workplace discrimination claims, so it’s important to act quickly. NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC represents workers in Atlantic City who have experienced hairstyle discrimination, religious grooming bias, or workplace retaliation.
Our attorneys focus solely on employment law and regularly handle NJLAD cases. Whether your situation involves a discriminatory dress code, biased appearance policies, or wrongful termination, we can help. We work to obtain financial compensation, enforce legal protections, and secure policy changes through negotiation or litigation.
To protect your rights and evaluate your options, contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC and speak with an attorney about your workplace experience in Atlantic City.