Derek Smith Law Group / Employment Law / Hair Discrimination Attorneys / Hair Discrimination Attorneys in New York City

Hair Discrimination Attorneys in New York City

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Race Discrimination Based on Hair is Illegal
Contact our Experienced New York Hair Discrimination Attorneys
Different Types of Workplace Discrimination Cases We Handle:

Race Discrimination Based on Hair is Illegal

Is hair discrimination a symptom of race discrimination in the workplace?
Have you lost a job because your boss didn’t like your hair?
Were you denied a promotion or career advancement because your hair doesn’t look like everyone else’s?

Does your employer have a hair policy that infringes on your heritage or religion? Well, New York City has some good news for you! In an unprecedented move, the New York City Commission on Human Rights released guidelines outlining protections for hair and hairstyles for New York City.

The first of its kind in the United States, the guidelines prohibit employers, public institutions, and law enforcement from enacting discriminatory policies that mandate manipulation of hair or take discriminatory action based on hairstyle.

what does this mean for you?

Your employer cannot create a policy prohibiting dreads, cornrows, or other cultural hairstyles in the workplace
Your employer cannot terminate you or take adverse action against you because you have an afro
Your employer cannot refuse to promote you or give you a raise because you wear braids to work
Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs cannot deny you entry because your hair does not fit their dress code
Your child cannot be forced to change their hairstyle in school, and cannot be reprimanded, suspended, or expelled because of it
If you complain to your employer about any of these actions, and they retaliate against you, your actions are protected

The guidelines specifically target racial-based discrimination in stating: “Anti-Black bias also includes discrimination based on characteristics and cultural practices associated with being Black, including prohibitions on natural hair and hairstyles associated with Black People.”

Further pushing the point home, the guidelines indicate that for “Black people, ,this includes the right to maintain natural hair, treated or untreated hairstyles such as locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, fades, Afros and/or the right to keep hair in an uncut or untrimmed state.” The law is extremely broad in that it also protects communities that have religious or cultural connections with uncut hair (Native Americans, Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Nazirites, or Rastafarians) and also other impacted groups such as Latinos, Indo-Caribbeans, and other nationalities who face barriers in maintaining natural hair.

In some cases, comments and conduct related to your hair can become sexual in nature. In these cases, it is important to remember that a statute of limitations on federal harassment claims may limit your recovery. For this reason, it is extremely important that you consult with a competent attorney who specializes in racial discrimination and sexual harassment.

Testimonials

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Discover how our expertise has helped clients overcome their legal challenges and achieve successful outcomes.

During the time that I really needed a good counselor and I was approaching different attorneys unfortunately before they heard the problem they were demanding a retainer fee. A friend of mine introduced me to the Derek Smith Law Group and I was very fortunate to be answered by Matt Finkleberg who was very polite and understanding and gave me a lot of confidence without asking for any fees in f... Read Full Testimonial

Sambiz Amini

Matt Finkleberg is by far the best attorney I’ve ever hired!

Tanya Scheer

Matt Finkelberg is an outstanding attorney. It was a pleasure to have him represent me for my employment case. He was very easy to talk to. He was very supportive and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. He explained the entire process to me and kept me informed every step of the way. Matt fought diligently throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. I am very gratef... Read Full Testimonial

Phyllis Parker

Matt Finkelberg is a top notch lawyer. He is very easy to talk to and truly cared about me as his client. He definitely earned my trust and confidence in his capabilities to represent me in the most professional respects. I give Matt and his firm the Derek Smith Law Group my highest recommendation to anyone who is seeking legal help for employee/employer related matters.

Wally Peczon

Matt Finkelberg is a life saver. During this whole process not only did I have a great lawyer but I also made a great friend. Matt was very attentive to my case, and mental health. Matt helped me during probably the darkest time of my life and for that I am forever grateful to have came across the Derek Smith law group. As a past client, I 100% recommend Matt Finkleberg. Matt provides a safe sp... Read Full Testimonial

Tali Loya

It was a pleasure to have Casey represent and help me for my employment case. It was my first time needing an attorney, so I was a bit apprehensive at first – Casey took the time to answer all of my questions and fully explain everything to me, which really put me at ease. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgeable throughout the whole process – Casey would ask questions to ensure... Read Full Testimonial

Corey Kientz

matt is an excellent attorney. he handled my case with the utmost care and highly exceeded all expectations. i could not recommend derek smith and esp. matt finkelberg enough

Seedie Whiser

Corey Kientz

You will be in great hands at this firm! Alyssa the managing paralegal is an absolute professional who excels at what she does. You can tell she truly cares about providing the best service possible, and is passionate about helping her clients. With Alyssa at the helm, this firm is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking assistance. Highly recommend!

Marissa Shander

Matt Finkelberg is Amazing and Devotional! It was a pleasure to have Matt represent me for my employment case. He was very attentive, supportive, and knowledgable throughout the whole process. Whenever I reached out he responded promptly which I greatly appreciated. Matt fought diligently and hard throughout my case to make sure my case was represented best. Thank you again Matt for everything.... Read Full Testimonial

jessica gonzalez

Olivia is absolutely outstanding! She understands the emotional side of your case while being able to find the legal aspects of holding the employer accountable for breaking the law! Made a really terrible situation a little easier by explaining everything and helping me get everything in order and in the right hands. I would not use anyone else! Call them for any sexual harassment case... You ... Read Full Testimonialwon't be disappointed! 10/10

Rae Millstone

Get Help for Workplace Discrimination

Our dedicated attorneys are ready to fight for your workplace rights and ensure justice!

Free Consultation (212) 587-0760

Contact our Experienced New York Hair Discrimination Attorneys

At Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC, our experienced attorneys provide aggressive representation to people who have been discriminated against or sexually harassed. If you have been sexually harassed or assaulted, or if you believe that your employer engaged in unlawful employment practices, consult with an experienced Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC attorney.

Our attorneys have years of experience litigating claims of discrimination, sexual harassment, and employee’s rights in the workplace. With offices in New York City, Philadelphia, and Miami, we have recovered millions on behalf of our clients who were subject to unlawful employment practices. Let us stand up for you and your rights when it counts. If you need an attorney in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Florida, please give our attorneys a call, toll-free at (212) 587-0760, for your free consultation.

Verdicts & Settlements

Our results speak for themselves

$4.9 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Catherine Lowry Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania The Derek Smith Law Group secured a $4.9 million settlement on behalf of multiple employees of Schuylkill County who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment,…

$1.5 Million Settlement

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$2.78 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Zachary Holzberg United States District Court, Eastern District of New York…

$4.050 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, County…

$1.6 Million Jury Verdict

Case Handled by The Derek Smith Law Group Attorney Derek Smith Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate…

Different Types of Workplace Discrimination Cases We Handle:

Our Attorneys

Did You Experience a Violation of Your Employment Rights?

Do You Have Questions About Your Legal Rights at Work? Please call us at 800.807.2209 or email derek@dereksmithlaw.com to Learn More About Your Rights.

Serving Major Cities Across the United States

Our experienced legal team provides reliable services in key U.S. cities, ensuring expert assistance for workplace discrimination and employment law matters wherever you are located.