Is this request rude or racist?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can it be racist when we don’t even know the person’s race?

This is a special situation given the job entails caring for elderly people, some of whom have dementia. A consistent appearance is key, and it likely should be part of the job requirements (eg: uniform).

Op here, sorry I thought I mentioned that the person in question is AA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t seem that unreasonable to me. The manager is asking her to have a consistent look at avoid confusing patients with memory issues.

the problem is it likely only applies to Black employees whereas a white employee with a pony tail on mon, curly hair weds, and extensive highlights Friday gets a pass.

How exactly do you know this? NOTHING in OP’s posts gives any indication of race. Do you regularly just make things up to suit your arguments?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: If the manager makes this request on the grounds that the residents (some with dementia) will be confused, is this unreasonable?

Tell us more about this, OP.

It's an assisted living for older/elderly people, many of whom have dementia. They may recognize someone but with a whole new look they might get agitated or scared by not recognizing the person.

You’re borrowing trouble. Has this actually happened?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Context is working at a posh, upscale retirement community. If the manager pulls a worker aside and request that she not wear different "confusing" wigs to work. This worker wears different wigs that all look like they are growing out of her scalp, but one day it will be a short dark brown bob, the next it will be jet black long and curly, another day it may be a dark brown pixie cut. These obviously are wigs that look really natural. If the manager makes this request on the grounds that the residents (some with dementia) will be confused, is this unreasonable?

Yes and it’s illegal in Momtgomery county.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t seem that unreasonable to me. The manager is asking her to have a consistent look at avoid confusing patients with memory issues.

the problem is it likely only applies to Black employees whereas a white employee with a pony tail on mon, curly hair weds, and extensive highlights Friday gets a pass.

Except that white employee doesn't exist.

I think OP's friend should take a deep breath and decide whether she wants to use this as an opportunity for a battle or accept that this is sincerely about the confused old people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Context is working at a posh, upscale retirement community. If the manager pulls a worker aside and request that she not wear different "confusing" wigs to work. This worker wears different wigs that all look like they are growing out of her scalp, but one day it will be a short dark brown bob, the next it will be jet black long and curly, another day it may be a dark brown pixie cut. These obviously are wigs that look really natural. If the manager makes this request on the grounds that the residents (some with dementia) will be confused, is this unreasonable?

Yes and it’s illegal in Momtgomery county.

What law?

[Anonymous]

I bet there could be a legitimate requirement for all employees to wear hair "pulled back" or "put up" or short (above shoulders) and the same headwear covering over it. Uniforms are okay. Inconsistent rules that end up only effecting specific protected classes (regardless of intention) are not.

[Anonymous]

^^affecting, not effecting

[Anonymous]

I work in Maryland and it would be illegal to for us.

It’s not necessarily racist because whites women wear wigs, though rarely.

Legal has to vet every “dress” requirement.

They can say that you can’t change your hair so men can’t shave their beard either.

But you can’t just say you can’t wear a wig.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How about name tags for workers instead?

This is the obvious solution. And they can be large and color coded etc to help the residents. That said, I do see how it could be confusing to residents for someone to have constantly changing natural looking hair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t seem that unreasonable to me. The manager is asking her to have a consistent look at avoid confusing patients with memory issues.

the problem is it likely only applies to Black employees whereas a white employee with a pony tail on mon, curly hair weds, and extensive highlights Friday gets a pass.

Exactly. However, the white woman with highlights (let's say strawberry blonde) on friday isn't going to come in with say jet black hair on monday.

But as a white woman, one day I might be a ponytail, another I blow dry it straight, and another I pin one side and let it dry naturally (slightly curly).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Context is working at a posh, upscale retirement community. If the manager pulls a worker aside and request that she not wear different "confusing" wigs to work. This worker wears different wigs that all look like they are growing out of her scalp, but one day it will be a short dark brown bob, the next it will be jet black long and curly, another day it may be a dark brown pixie cut. These obviously are wigs that look really natural. If the manager makes this request on the grounds that the residents (some with dementia) will be confused, is this unreasonable?

What the hell does this have to do with race? Surely, anyone is free to wear a similar wig everyday so Alzheimer's or dementia patients will have easier time recognizing the care giver.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t seem that unreasonable to me. The manager is asking her to have a consistent look at avoid confusing patients with memory issues.

the problem is it likely only applies to Black employees whereas a white employee with a pony tail on mon, curly hair weds, and extensive highlights Friday gets a pass.

Exactly. However, the white woman with highlights (let's say strawberry blonde) on friday isn't going to come in with say jet black hair on monday.

But as a white woman, one day I might be a ponytail, another I blow dry it straight, and another I pin one side and let it dry naturally (slightly curly).

It's still your same hair - same color, same length.

[Anonymous]

They need to cite the rule. It needs to be consistent and apply to everyone. No pulling anyone aside.

no drastic change in hair color. (No one can dye hair, different color wigs, highlights)

No drastic change in hair appearance (no hair cuts m, no shaving, no growing beards)

No unnatural hair changes ( this is tricky. What constitutes change; or unnatural). Braids vs hair straight; long and stringy vs cute bob;

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is racist. If she's fired over it, she should absolutely get an attorney.

Disagree. Residents interests come first.