Tatiana Prisiajny, Features Editor
Proud of her Ghanian roots, Akua Agyemfra came to work expecting her shift to go smoothly like any other day, only to be called into her manager’s office and told to go home because her hair was deemed inappropriate for the workplace.
That day, her natural hair was in a bun, which she didn’t see as problematic. Her previous workplaces did not have an issue with a bun.
“When I was told to leave I was so humiliated and shocked, I could not even cry. All I could think was I have to do something about this because I know I’m not the only one,” says Agyemfra.
During her interview, management never specified that her hair could not be put in a bun.
“I was told that I’ll be making enough money to do my hair every week, as if I do not have student loans and bills to pay.
“My hardworking paycheques aren’t going to be given back to my hairdresser every week to satisfy my employer,” she says.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms grants the right for people to express themselves freely, so the rule itself is problematic, according to Agyemfra.
She claims Jack Astor’s management, which has been under fire for imposing discriminatory dress codes in the past, told her to “dress like you’re going to a club, not coming from one.”
Jack Astor’s could not be reached for comment.
“A simple ‘sorry’ would have went a long way. I have not heard from Jack Astor’s since the incident,” adds Agyemfra.
“I do not want future generations to face what I’m facing 20 years from now. Not only is it humiliating, but it is totally unfair,” she says.
Corporations are marginalizing their potential employees, and this is simply unacceptable. On top of that, men do not have to deal with situations like these, claims Agyemfra.
“This type of discrimination should not be an issue in 2016. My hair has nothing to do with my work ethic,” she says.
“I’ve gone to other Jack Astor’s locations and the waitresses had their hair up in tight top knots and buns. If a stylish up-do is allowed, why was I sent home? What made my hair different? My hair was collected, my edges were laid and neat. I am allowed to take out my extensions. My scalp has the right to breathe too.”
Agyemfra wants people to stand up for themselves when they feel disrespected or degraded. In her view, this not only surprises people by the impact they make, but also becomes an inspiration to others.
Recently, the Ontario Human Rights Commission has called for an end to sexualized dress codes that discriminate against female and transgender employees.
“Employers must make sure their dress codes don’t reinforce sexist stereotypes,” says OHRC Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane.
“They send the message that an employee’s worth is tied to how they look. That’s not right, and it could violate the Ontario Human Rights Code.”
These codes persist across the restaurant industry, despite human rights decisions that have found them to be discriminatory and may make employees more vulnerable to sexual harassment, contribute to discriminatory work environments, and exclude people based on sex, gender identity or expression, and creed.
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