Problematic dress, appearance, and grooming policies may feature unlawful: These laws create protected classes based on factors like race, sex, age, religion, color, country of origin, and disability. There is, however, one way grooming policies can cross the line: when the policy is discrimination.ĭo your employer’s policies regarding dress code, appearance, and grooming standards discriminate? State and federal laws provide laws that prohibit employers from engaging in discriminatory practices and conduct. There is a general presumption that businesses have an interest in the culture of their workplace, of the appearance of professionalism, and their general public image. Unfortunately, in most cases, explicit grooming policies are enforceable and employers are given a great deal of latitude. We’re supposed to live in a free Country-can employers really dictate how we look? Are these policies lawful? Unfortunately, employers frequently have “grooming policies” that really shut down this form of expression. The entirety of your look is a form of personal expression and part of an image that you have consciously cultivated for yourself.
