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Former in-n-out employee sues for 25 crore; alleges hair discrimination
- A former employee of In-N-Out Burger is suing the company for $3 million, alleging wrongful termination based on racial discrimination regarding his natural hair.
- Elijah Obeng, who worked at an In-N-Out outlet in California, claims he was asked to cut or cover his hair as it grew longer, which he found discriminatory.
- Obeng braided his hair in an attempt to comply with grooming policies, but was still dissatisfied by management.
- Supervisors reportedly instructed Obeng to cut his sideburns, a demand he viewed as demeaning, leading to mistreatment and singling out by management.
- The lawsuit seeks compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and damages, citing violations of California's Fair Employment and Housing Act and the CROWN Act.
- The CROWN Act aims to prevent discrimination based on hairstyle and hair texture, particularly protecting Black employees facing grooming standards issues.
- Obeng contends that his cultural identity was compromised by the grooming policy enforcement, while In-N-Out says the termination was due to policy violations.
- The case highlights concerns about workplace grooming standards impacting racial and cultural expression.
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