Discuss the below:
Critical Thinking Application
Are Dreadlocks Protected under the Title VII?
Christopher Polk was a delivery employee for FedEx when he watched to a Lord Jamal music video rapping about Rastafarian beliefs in the sanctity of dreadlocks. Such dreadlocks, permanently interlocked strands of hair, were worn by African chieftains 6,000 years ago. Polk became a Rastafarian and grew shoulder-length locks to symbolize his new religious path. Dreadlocks are now quite fashionable and worn by many who do not practice Rastafarianism.
But Polk's new hairstyle violated FedEx grooming policy of a "reasonable style." After several internal rounds of problem solving, FedEx ordered Polk to cut his hair or be assigned to a job with no direct customer contact and lower pay. He refused and was terminated. He sued under Title VII, claiming religious discrimination. Six other FedEx employees lost their jobs for the same reason. These are not isolated cases. Police departments, prison authorities, retailers, and schools have also been sued after refusing to allow dreadlocks that are not covered at work.
In general, courts have allowed employers to impose their own grooming standards providing that such standards are applied uniformly or fairly. For example, when Afros were all the rage, an employer could be accused of not applying a grooming policy fairly if Afros were banned but long hair or ponytails were allowed for men. But there was no religious basis to these hairstyle cases. Although limited, the legal track record for hair styles based on religion versus grooming policy is more favorable to plaintiffs like Mr. Polk. For example, Sikh men have won lawsuits based on their religion that requires them to wear their beards.
Assignment
Prepare a response paper of around 5 pages excluding the title and reference pages, analyzing the case. Key components of the paper:
1. A title page
2. An introduction in which you clearly state the issue in the case
3. Your position on the case, backed up with resources to support your position.
4. Recommendations for resolving the case, backed up with resources to support recommendation.
5. A well thought out and concise conclusion
6. A reference page containing at least 5 references cited in the paper in APA format.