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I am looking for someone to be my spiritual guidance leader, or spiritual advisor. They will need to write a letter to my company claiming that long hair is a part of my religious doctrine and I would violate that doctrine if I cut my hair. As the story goes after being with this company for 2 years and 4 months they now have a new VP that is a dress code Nazi. They are asking me to produce a letter from my spiritual guidance leader, or spiritual advisor stating the religious ramifications of cutting my hair or I will be fired. This is very unfair after 2 years 4 months of service, so if they want to play hardball so can I. I am 47 and I can’t afford to loose my job right now. If you think you can help or will help I will send you the details which are very straight forward, little guy up against the big corporation.
From a fellow long hair, Bill
What is your background? Are you Native American?
I'm 1/2 Cherokee, so wen I was hit with this same stuff many years ago, I told them it was part of my heritage, and if they did anything to affect my employment, they'd see me in court.
Give me some info on you and I'll see if I can help. Heck, I'd even provide a phone number if they need one and speak to them.
I can't do anything without more info though.
Rokker my email is wmss99@yahoo.com send me an email and I'll send you the details. Thank You for the reply I need all the help I can get. I think I have a pretty good case against them if they want to go to court. Email me ASAP , Thanks, Bill
I should tell my employer that being longhair is part of my ancient Scottish heritage, and see what happens! :)
Scott
Good for you !
Do you mind me asking what happened in the end ? Did they give in to you as I've heard this has been a big and difficult Native American issue that's been contested in your law courts for many years ?
Also is long hair part of all Native American tribal heritage and tradition or only just some tribes ? (BTW I'm from the U.K.)
Thanks :-)
At first, they balked at my statement. Then I simply hit the web, gathered up a bunch of stuff about the topic, and presented them with the evidence.
Their stance then shifted to it not being fair to allow me to have long hair and require all other men to have it short. I told them like my mom used to say, I'm not all other men! I also told them the rule itself was ridiculous, that no man should be required to have a haircut just because someone else wants it that way.
In the end, they relented, but only to me and a Muslim man who armed himself with info as I did. All other men had to maintain a haircut that required hair to be "off the collar". They made exceptions only for religious or ethnic reasons.
It didn't affect many guys, as most had short hair anyway. Surprisingly, it didn't affect my job either, as I moved up and did just fine professionally.
It was an ugly battle for a couple of months, but in the end it all worked out fine.
To my knowledge, all tribes had long hair. I'm not an expert though. I do know the Cherokees did.
Bill,
It makes me so mad when I read posts such as yours. Not mad at you of course. I am 23 years old and I just started working full time.
My hair is about 6 inches all over...and i will do with it what I want. I have to ask this question...why do so many people become so lame as they get older? Why do they feel the need to conform? It is really a disturbing trend to see so many short hair boring guys around my age. I feel bad for you that you have to deal with this. How does hair or the way you dress have anything to do with your job performance? Answer: It has nothing to do with your job performance. Also, I feel nauseated reading this because it makes me sick that someone would fire you over your hair length.
Bill, I do not know what your financial situation or what not is...but please my friend, just remember who you are....keep your hair and lose the job and take their ass to court.
Keep your hair the way it is! I am so glad to know that there are cool corporate people out there!
Good luck!
Darin
Cheers to you Bill
Darin
I am looking for someone to be my spiritual guidance leader, or spiritual advisor. They will need to write a letter to my company claiming that long hair is a part of my religious doctrine and I would violate that doctrine if I cut my hair. As the story goes after being with this company for 2 years and 4 months they now have a new VP that is a dress code Nazi. They are asking me to produce a letter from my spiritual guidance leader, or spiritual advisor stating the religious ramifications of cutting my hair or I will be fired. This is very unfair after 2 years 4 months of service, so if they want to play hardball so can I. I am 47 and I can’t afford to loose my job right now. If you think you can help or will help I will send you the details which are very straight forward, little guy up against the big corporation.
May I ask what type of business your corporation is?
also, you mentioned that you've been employed there for two years and four months. is your work record impeccable?
if so, this could give you some leeway in case you're terminated.
I suggest discussing this issue with an attorney and see what your chances would be of winning a lawsuit in case you are unjustly fired.
the more Men who stand up for their rights in the Corporate work place , the faster things will change.
I wish you luck and hope that you stand your ground and do not give in to the tyrannical corporate bosses.
keep your hair long!