Black man fired in Iowa for refusing to cut dreadlocks

In Iowa, a 26-year-old Black man named Drew Harvey filed a lawsuit against TMC Transportation, alleging that he was fired for refusing to cut his dreadlocks, which he claims are significant to his culture and spirituality. Harvey was hired as a flatbed truck driver in June and was told by his instructor during orientation that his hairstyle posed a 'safety issue.' Despite offering alternatives to address the company's concerns, such as trimming his hair or wearing a hair wrap, his proposals were rejected. The lawsuit highlights a pattern of hair discrimination, as similar incidents have occurred across the United States, including cases involving students in Texas and Kansas. Harvey's termination has raised questions about the enforcement of company policies, which he argues were inconsistently applied, particularly since he observed non-Black employees with long hair. He is seeking unspecified damages for lost wages and emotional distress, emphasizing the need for fair treatment in the workplace regarding personal appearance and cultural identity.