"Unprofessional" curls? What?

Feb 6, 2013

Coco L.

That sounds kind of discriminatory. Your teacher shouldn't have said that or taken marks off you. That's like saying if you are African American, you can't go for a job interview wearing an Afro. Ok, I read some excerpt on a legal site, if curly hair is a result of your ethnicity or race, that can be considered discrimination (race and national origin discrimination). There's no federal law forbidding that kind of practice but there may be a state law. E.g. DC has Human Rights Act: unlawful to hire on the basis of appearance). Maybe you could ask your teacher if there's such law in place in your state. Cuz there have been class action law suits brought on to companies like Abercrombie and Fitch, Hooters and so on who practice hiring based on looks. Ok, I'm reading another site, it says companies are allowed to have "dress code" to regulate professional appearance. But it is usually for things like hair colours (forbidding colours not found in nature) and body piercing, tattoos. Maybe you could ask your teacher about this, too, if the mock company in your practice would have had a dress code and if there would be anything in it about curly hair. I understand that first impression is very important but I feel that this is verging on discrimination. Your teacher could have advised you to put your hair in a nice neat pony tail or a bun or something but asking you to straighten it, taking something natural and to modify it, that doesn't sound right to me. 

Feb 6, 2013

Devan V.

Yes she was definitely going on personally preference which would not make her fit for her job as interviewer. Points off on her for that one. 

Feb 6, 2013

El O.

I'm sorry but your teacher is a discriminatory jerk. Your hair looks fine. Some types of jobs do prefer that women wear their hair bound back, or that they not have unnatural colors or cuts, but nobody should ever judge you for hire based on your hair as long as it is clean and well cared for (I must admit I would be hesitant about hiring someone with unwashed hair). It sounds to me like your teacher just prefers straight hair. His comments were out of line and I would take it up with his superior.

Feb 6, 2013

Shelley W.

Better she said that to you than me because I would've gone off on her literally! But I'm glad you handled it with class and tact. Just be sure to give her some important details about discriminatory practices. Your hair is absolutely beautiful by the way. :)

Feb 8, 2013

Perla G.

Your teacher is jealous of your pretty curls(;

Feb 8, 2013

Twana B.

so..... only straight is professional?! she needs a good talking to. your hair was nice, neat and out of your face, to me that's professional.