Close Menu
Truth Republican
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Guns & Gear
  • Healthy Tips
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Truth Republican
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Guns & Gear
  • Healthy Tips
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Newsletter
Truth Republican
You are at:Home»Business»Former In-N-Out worker claims his natural hair cost him his job
Business

Former In-N-Out worker claims his natural hair cost him his job

Buddy DoyleBy Buddy DoyleJune 21, 2025No Comments3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp
Former In-N-Out worker claims his natural hair cost him his job
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

A former African-American In-N-Out employee is suing the company for discrimination and termination for his natural hair, according to court documents.

Per the court documents, the former employee, Elijah Obeng, a California native, claims that he was discriminated against and terminated for his natural hair and texture.

In the suit, Obeng claims he suffered emotional distress, reputational harm and loss of employment.

Obeng is seeking $3 million in damages and $200,000 in earnings he would have made during the duration of his firing and beyond.

FAST-FOOD GIANT MAINTAINS IRON GRIP ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AMID RESTAURANT INDUSTRY CHANGES

In-N-Out declined to comment to Fox Business as they do not comment on ongoing litigation.

Obeng and his lawyer have yet to respond to initial requests for comment from Fox Business.

According to the court documents, Obeng worked at the West Coast fast-food burger chain from his high school graduation in 2020 up until his termination in 2024.

MAJOR FAST-FOOD GIANTS UNVEIL SECRET WEAPONS IN SUMMER MENU BATTLE

courtroom

According to the court documents, Obeng went to work with his natural hair, following the guidelines of In-N-Out’s grooming and uniform policy.

That policy is defined in the court documents as clean-shaven and hair kept under a hat.

As Obeng’s hair grew longer, he was instructed to either cut his hair or alter it to follow the uniform policies.

The court documents say that Obeng then braided his hair to follow guidelines, but was told by management that his sideburns, which were part of his hair, needed to be cut. 

In-N-Out employees smiling

Obeng claimed to have found that request humiliating and discriminatory, according to the court documents.

Obeng claims he began receiving different treatment, such as being reprimanded for minor infractions, while other employees were not receiving the same.

He also claimed that he was scrutinized more harshly and was denied any chance for promotion or career advancement.

Some time near May 25, 2025, court documents say that Obeng was sent home to shave his sideburns, making him feel publicly humiliated since he received disciplinary action in front of other employees.

Obeng never returned to I-N-Out since a requirement to return was shaving his sideburns.

Obeng was fired a few days later due to what the company claimed was from prior write-ups, but Obeng claims it was because of his “ancestry, color and race, including his natural hairstyle and hair texture,” the court documents state.

Obeng and his lawyer claim that In-N-Out went against the CROWN Act, which protects employees from race-based hair discrimination.

The CROWN Act is an official law in 27 states, including California. 

Nick Butler is a reporter for Fox Business. Do you have any tips? Reach out to [email protected].

Read the full article here

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleJD Vance rails against Newsom, LA mayor for declaring ‘open season on federal law enforcement’
Next Article Top 10 Concealed Carry 9mm Pistols 2022 | Best 9mm CCW Handguns 2022

Related Articles

More luxury homebuyers paying with cash this year, report says

More luxury homebuyers paying with cash this year, report says

July 5, 2025
Major housing markets finally rebounding as buyers gain upper hand in unexpected cities

Major housing markets finally rebounding as buyers gain upper hand in unexpected cities

July 5, 2025
‘X-Files’ star David Duchovny sells .9M Malibu home

‘X-Files’ star David Duchovny sells $10.9M Malibu home

July 5, 2025
Jewish New Yorkers ‘very afraid’ of future in city after Mamdani’s primary victory

Jewish New Yorkers ‘very afraid’ of future in city after Mamdani’s primary victory

July 5, 2025
OpenAI chief declares love for US while lamenting Democratic Party’s radical turn against ‘techno-capitalism’

OpenAI chief declares love for US while lamenting Democratic Party’s radical turn against ‘techno-capitalism’

July 4, 2025
Disney continues tradition of honoring American military with patriotic celebrations

Disney continues tradition of honoring American military with patriotic celebrations

July 4, 2025
About 49K electric chainsaws, pole saws recalled for switch failure laceration hazard

About 49K electric chainsaws, pole saws recalled for switch failure laceration hazard

July 4, 2025
Six Flags may close nearly 50-year-old California park due to poor financial performance

Six Flags may close nearly 50-year-old California park due to poor financial performance

July 4, 2025
Americans trapped in side hustle economy as 9-to-5 jobs no longer pay the bills

Americans trapped in side hustle economy as 9-to-5 jobs no longer pay the bills

July 4, 2025
Don't Miss
Top 5 Best ATV Quad On The Market

Top 5 Best ATV Quad On The Market

Jason Kelce slammed for ‘tone deaf’ Fourth of July post after ‘big, beautiful bill’ signing

Jason Kelce slammed for ‘tone deaf’ Fourth of July post after ‘big, beautiful bill’ signing

TOP 10 HIKING GEAR ESSENTIALS YOU MUST HAVE

TOP 10 HIKING GEAR ESSENTIALS YOU MUST HAVE

Convair F-106 Delta Dart

Convair F-106 Delta Dart

Latest News
Xi Jinping’s surprise no-show at BRICS Summit fuels speculation about China’s global standing

Xi Jinping’s surprise no-show at BRICS Summit fuels speculation about China’s global standing

July 5, 2025
New York Times columnist admits that Trump is a ‘normie Republican’

New York Times columnist admits that Trump is a ‘normie Republican’

July 5, 2025
TOP 10 BEST CHEAP MULTI-TOOLS UNDER

TOP 10 BEST CHEAP MULTI-TOOLS UNDER $50

July 5, 2025
Major housing markets finally rebounding as buyers gain upper hand in unexpected cities

Major housing markets finally rebounding as buyers gain upper hand in unexpected cities

July 5, 2025
Trump rides major wave of momentum going into July Fourth after Iran, BBB, Supreme Court and lawsuit victories

Trump rides major wave of momentum going into July Fourth after Iran, BBB, Supreme Court and lawsuit victories

July 5, 2025
Copyright © 2025. Truth Republican. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.