The Highland Restaurant adopted a no-beard policy, in order to promote its “clean-cut, all American” image. Howard Smith worked successfully as a bartender at The Highland until the restaurant adopted the no-beard policy.
Smith has pseudofolliculitis barbae, a skin condition resulting from ingrown hair that is aggravated by shaving and affects 50% of African American men but less than 1% of white men. Smith asked the owner, Will Farraday if the company could make an exception in his case and allow him to wear a beard. Farraday refused and Smith subsequently quit the restaurant.
Did The Highland Restaurant violate Title VII? Discuss.
