AKRON, Ohio — A hearing on a race-based hair discrimination claim that News 5 first reported last year is underway in Akron.
Akron law firm seeks justice after man forced to choose between job and haircut
RELATED: Akron law firm seeks justice after man forced to choose between job or haircut
“As long as I’ve been a salesperson, my hair has been an issue based on my role,” said client Seleke Korle, who is represented by Okoro Law Firm.
Imokai Okoro of the Okoro law firm and his client, Seleke Korle, visited the Akron City Council chambers Friday to testify before the city’s Civil Rights Commission.
The complaint was filed in August 2023 on behalf of Kole, who said the Okoro law firm was seeking justice for racially-based discrimination from Akron’s Vandevere Chevrolet on Vernon Odom Street. It was done after. Because of his hair.
“Racism based on hairstyle will not be tolerated in Akron, Ohio,” Okoro said.
The hearing began with opening statements from both Okoro and an attorney from Vandevere Chevrolet’s attorney, Hanna Campbell & Powell.
The defendants are contesting alleged violations of the Crown Act, a California law enacted by the Akron City Council in December 2020 to prohibit race-based hair discrimination in workplaces and schools. .
Instead, R. Brian Bourla, an attorney with Hanna Campbell & Powell, said the question is whether Vandevere has the right to require salespeople to trim their hair.
“The issue for the committee to determine at this hearing is that Vandeveer discriminated against Mr. Kole by requiring him to cut his dreadlocks and remove the shells and beads in the same way that he had his hair and dreadlocks when he was hired by Mr. Kole. It’s whether or not,” Borla said.
In a statement News 5 received from the Okoro law firm last year, the attorney said that as Kole’s hair began to grow, Vandevere management advised Kole that his “hair was getting out of control.” Vandeveer’s hair did not meet Vandeveer’s professional standards, the suit alleges. .
“Mr. Okoro is right. After my dreads got longer and I added beads and shells to my natural hair, I was asked to style them again. I was asked to remove the shells. Please remove the beads.” said Bora.
Coley said he didn’t want to strip away his identity, so when we spoke with him the following month, he chose to leave his job as a sales consultant at Vandevere Chevrolet in August 2023, News reported. told 5.
Kole testified before the committee on Friday with her hair twisted and some beads, saying her hair became an issue because of her role.
However, Michael ‘Mike’ Vandevere of Vandevere Chevrolet said the company’s general policy does not prohibit dreadlocks or any type of natural hair.
“You are expected to maintain a high standard of personal appearance and exhibit a professional and business-like appearance commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position,” Vandeveer said.
“I think it was a problem because I’m a floor salesperson who meets customers like me every day who come to buy cars,” Coley said.
Completion of the entire public hearing is expected in November.
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