I was discriminated against because they said I didn't have the right Look. Help?

Question

I was called, hired, and went to Orientation for a job as a nurse at Cleveland Clinic Florida. On the last day, yesterday the head nurse who interviewed me said that because of my haircolor (ie roots were slightly showing) and the undershirt that i was wearing (long sleeve plain black under the scrubs the require), That i wasn't "professional" enough too work in there new start-up.

A start-up that caters mostly to rich white elderly patients. I believe this is discrimination, I was in uniform, my hair was clean and tied not disheveled. It had no bearing on my work experience or how I interact with my patients, I just didn't LOOK right for them.

Where can I go to get help for this? I don't want them to do this to anyone else.

Let me explain, professionalism matters in Healthcare, I was actually in the correct attire while my colleagues were told that they were to go home and change into scrubs, so tell me how is that "sticking out like a sore thumb"?
I just want to know if having the wrong hair color equates to having the wrong eye and skin color? I have found a better position, I just want to know if they had any right to dismiss on that reason?

Answer 1

There's a couple of things you can do.

Every organization the size of the Cleveland Clinic has someone in human resources. I would schedule an appointment with the person in charge of HR to discuss the situation.

If you get no cooperation or satisfaction, I would check with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's local office in Florida or, if the State of Florida has a Civil Rights Commission, the state version of the EEOC. Through these organizations, you will likely get answers to any questions you have.

Another possibility would be to contact someone in the state legislature or Congress who would be sympathetic to your plight. Politicians usally can get answers. Also, someone in a local civil rights organization such as the NAACP may be able to help you.

Contacting an attorney right away will put the Cleveland Clinic on the defensive. As a private employer, the Clinic doesn't have to respond to a private attorney like they do the government.

ps I am an attorney who practices in this area of the law for a living.

Answer 2

Just fix it. If they're actually willing to say it, take it as constructive criticism. You don't deserve a big lawsuit payout.

When I was a younger man, I had long hair. I kept it neat, clean, and in far better shape than most women's. I was refused dozens of jobs if I didn't cut my hair. Theoretically, that's sex discrimination. In reality, they're just right. At least for the type of jobs I was looking for, where customers would see me all the time.

Every bar and nightclub discriminates by looks when they hire their waitresses and bartenders. So do many retail stores, at least in the employee's ability to look well dressed. It's life.

Answer 3

Rather than complaining about discrimination and making a big deal about it, why didnt you look around to see how your colleagues presented themselves and tried to dress up to their level and look "professional enough to work there," rather than sticking out like a sore thumb and under-dressed in an environment where professionality matters?

Answer 4

Oh, girl, stop your complaining. You are not going to get every job that you apply for. You are trying to build this up as a race issue and you may be right. But, you need to get over it. They tried to pull your coat to your shortcomings and let you know that you are not the well groomed person that you thought you were. You even acknowledged yourself that your roots were showing. Check yourself and your hygiene and brush up on your education then go back out there. But, stop trying to play the race card.

Answer 5

Florida is a 'right to work' state. No one has to give you a reason for not hiring or firing you. You can call the government labor board or some equal opportunity group. Spend your time looking for the right people to work for.

Answer 6

Call a lawyer. They will ask you the details and then tell you whether or not this is truly discrimination. If it is, they will probably take your case for a pct. of what they can get for you. If it costs the clinic money, they won't do it to anyone else.

Answer 7

That is discrimination, you should call or go to the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission and file a complaint.

Answer 8

Forget this happening to anyone else. What's important is that you get a job. If you are a licensed practical or registered nurse, you will not have a problem getting a job.

Answer 9

That wasn't "discrimination", they just didn't like the way you looked! If your appearance does not meet an employer's needs, do you really think your "rights" have been violated?

Answer 10

As others have said, this isn't discrimination. That doesn't mean it was right, but it's legal.