"NYC bans employment discrimination based on hairstyle", 20 Feb 2019

The New York City Commission on Human Rights issued enforcement guidance this week that prohibits employers from punishing, demoting, firing or taking other adverse actions against workers who wear their hair in styles reflecting their culture. The guidance, while applicable broadly, particularly acknowledges black workers' right to wear natural, treated or untreated hairstyles...However, the new guidelines don't conflict with health and safety policies requiring workers to wear hair nets or pin up their hair, as long as the rules apply to all workers, according to the commission...

This guidance is the first of its type in the country, the Times noted...

The commission said it can impose penalties of up to $250,000 on employers that violate the guidelines, with no cap on damages. The commission also said it can require changes in organizations' internal policies and the rehiring of individuals fired because of their hairstyles...