NYC Security Workers’ Lawsuit over Locks Untangled

August 10, 2009

A group of Rastafarian men who work as public safety officers in Manhattan don’t need to hide their dreadlocks under their uniform caps anymore.

The Grand Central Partnership settled a federal lawsuit Friday that accused it of forcing the men to painfully tuck their long dreadlocks inside their caps and suspending them for allegedly violating a grooming policy.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said that the organization has begun allowing the men to wear their hair in neat ponytails.

The nonprofit agreed to revise its policies and pay the men $40,000 under the terms of the settlement.

The partnership protects and promotes a 70-block area surrounding Grand Central Terminal.

It said in a statement that it has long given reasonable religious accommodation to its employees upon request.

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