Diversity Within: Celebrating Authenticity At Work Without Fear of Discrimination
There were moments in LaTanya Cross’ career when she feared being treated differently for wearing her hair in locs. At this time in her career, hair discrimination was at an all-time high African Americans were being stripped of opportunities because of their appearance.
LaTanya's journey to be accepted in the workplace is a story of perseverance and a testimony to encourage all employees to express themselves through their own personal style without fear of discrimination. Cross pointed out that IEA has embraced her for who she is and because of that, she never has had to worry about people questioning her hair, but rather celebrating it.
Did you know that “Black women were 1.5 times more likely to have reported having been sent home or know of a Black women sent home from the workplace because of her hair,” according to the CROWN Coalition.
The Crown Act was created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California, to ensure protection against discrimination on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists and knots in the workplace and public schools. The CROWN Act has since made its way throughout the country bringing awareness to this discrimination.
The Diversity Within series was created to celebrate all employees in the IEA Family of companies and if you have a story to share, we want to hear from you. By clicking the button below, you'll be directed to a form that will allow you to meet with the Diversity team to share your story. We can't wait to hear from you!
At IEA, we celebrate your self-expression with you and believe that your authentic self is your best self.
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