Is this request rude or racist?

[Anonymous]

I work with a rich, well dressed AA woman. I seriously don’t recognize her sometimes and I work with her daily. It’s crazy how much a different hair style changes your face or how much we use hair to differentiate people.

That being said- name tags are the answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You cannot tell the length when it’s in a ponytail. And it appears shorter when it’s curly.
Also, my gray hair shows more in a ponytail.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work with a rich, well dressed AA woman. I seriously don’t recognize her sometimes and I work with her daily. It’s crazy how much a different hair style changes your face or how much we use hair to differentiate people.

That being said- name tags are the answer.

Oh sure. For 90+ year old people with perfect eyesight

[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.

I worked with a young white woman (sped teacher) who changed her hair frequently with temporary dyes and extensions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work with a rich, well dressed AA woman. I seriously don’t recognize her sometimes and I work with her daily. It’s crazy how much a different hair style changes your face or how much we use hair to differentiate people.

That being said- name tags are the answer.

OP here, I'm also black and wear wigs regularly but I have several wigs that are all dyed to match my hair color (dark brown with some highlights) so my changes aren't as drastic as short and straight one day, long and curly the next. I see where the management is coming from but I also don't think they can make a determination like "no wigs" or "no hair changes".

[Anonymous]

It is both rude and racist. Is everyone being asked to keep their hair exactly the same way? Can men cut their hair or grow beards? Some men look totally different with facial hair. Can a man shave his head? Can a brunette become a blonde or a redhead? Can someone get extensions or highlights? Can someone with long hair get a pixie cut? Unless you are prohibiting ALL employees from changing their hair, you cannot insist SOME employees do it.

[Anonymous]

What is her job? Do the residents need to recognize her?

Is there anything in the handbook about wigs? What if she waa doing it for health related hair loss rather than fashion or other personal reasons? This really does sound no different than wearing glasses one day and contacts the next. Makeup or no make up. Ponytail/curls/straight/dye.

I have worked I special Ed and I have worked in rehabilitation and this does sound personal.

[Anonymous]

It's a reasonable request, and not racist.

[Anonymous]

We’ll, it is confusing.

[Anonymous]

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

Yes. I’m an RN worked in a hospital a few of my coworkers loved loved their wigs and we all thought it was cool. I want to wear wigs now lol

[Anonymous]

What if she had cancer treatment and bought 2 wigs? Or showed up bald? I doubt boss would say anything at that point so yes racist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

Disagree. Residents interests come first.

Okay so men can’t shave their beard or cut their hair.

[Anonymous]

If you were in a normal office setting, this request might be problematic. However, given that you are dealing with elderly, dementia patients, the request is totally reasonable. Your job should be to make recognizing you as easy as possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

Disagree. Residents interests come first.

Okay so men can’t shave their beard or cut their hair.

I’m an attorney who handled a lot of employment cases. I would not take OP’s case. Given the circumstances, the request it reasonable.

[Anonymous]

Racist and not reasonable at all. Also sexist.