[woot226]

I just didn't like the comment about since she is in College now, shouldn't she know about being proffesional by now

I think they are referring to how childish she is being. I'm willing to bet that Cedar Fair is not the only company with such a policy. She could have cut her hair to get the job, or not taken the job. In no way is it discrimination, and it was very childish to scream that and go to the news.

Another thought as to why they arent allowed, not trying to insinuate anything or make any assumptions, but lets also think what dreads are most commonly associated with.

[Jonathan]

Ricky Williams?

[kdman76]

Maybe dreads are not aloud because they could get caught in something? Does Cedar Fair have a length of hair policy also? I know when I was in the navy your hair could not be longer than 4 inches.

[Lit]

Some people can't cut their locks due to their beliefs.

Numbers 6:5 - All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the LORD, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

I didn't read anywhere that she was a Rastafarian, but it's possible I guess.

[Iheartcarowinds]

Maybe dreads are not aloud because they could get caught in something? Does Cedar Fair have a length of hair policy also?

I quote from the employee handbook:

For Men: A fresh, neat haircut is a must at Cedar Fair. Hair must be natural, neatly trimmed and clean at all times. Styling should be tapered at the sides and back so the lower one-half of the ear is visible and the back is no longer than the top of the collar of a normal dress shirt. Hair should also not fall forward or over the face while performing normal job duties. Faddish, extreme hairstyles, including (but not limited to) multi-color or unnatural hair colors, sculptured hair, tails, ponytails, dreadlocks, partially shaved heads and spikes are not permitted. Beads or other hair ornamentation are not permitted. Shaved patterns in the
sides, back or front of the hair are not allowed.

For Women: Hair must be natural, clean, well-groomed and simply arranged. Faddish, extreme hairstyles, including (but not limited to) multi-color or unnatural colors, sculptured hair, tails, partially shaved heads and dreadlocks are not permitted. Those who prefer long hair should take special care so that it will not fall forward or over the face while performing normal job duties, creating a safety hazard. If necessary for job safety, long hair must be pinned up or tied back using a plain barrette. Beads are not permitted. Shaved patterns in
the sides, back or front of the hair are not permitted.

Male Grooming
Bulk— Not more than 2 inches.
Forehead — Combed above brows.
Over Ear — Not more than 1⁄2 past the top of the ear.
Mustache — Must not pass the upper lip or corners of the mouth.
Hair — Above shirt collar. Tapered at the sides and back. Hair color must be naturally occurring on humans.

Female Grooming
Bulk — Not more than 2 inches.
Forehead — Combed above brows or pulled back.
Ear — No dangling jewelry or more than two earrings in each lower earlobe.
Hair — Hair color must be naturally occurring on humans.

[Capler]

At first I thought this was an issue of race but after reading the above policy I see that it excludes a lot of white people as well. Being that some hairstyles have become somewhat of a norm, including dreadlocks, Fair may want to revisit it's policy to make it a little more reflective of the real world. For example; many girls wear hair extensions these days. In the case of dreads; in the African culture they are normal and not extreme. In recent years, the African American community has embraced this natural style as being normal to our culture after years of being told that it was unacceptable. Today's modern dreads are not your grandparents’ dreads. Of course on occasions you will run into people with matted Rastafarian style dreads, but these are usually people who are on some sort of an anti-societal mission, and they also tend to be white. You mainly see them on college campuses as well. But if you would go onto a black college campus you will see that upwards of 40% of the students, faculty, and staff have dreads of various lengths. These dreads are not haphazardly done either. Some folk pay lots of money to go to salons to have them ‘kept up’ including shampooed and oiled. So to the person who said that they tend to be dirty, that is more of the exception rather than the rule. I have dreads, and let me tell you, I have to wash them often otherwise I’ll get dandruff, and that is certainly no fun at all. If you will notice, most folk with dreads tend to wear a cover over them most of the time. This aids in keeping them free of dirt particles found in the air.

[bgwfreak]

Now let's talk about something else.

When did you become a moderator and decide what we discuss?

[chargercrazy]

The girl is in college, right? Shouldn't she have learned about being professional by now?

Good luck with that lawsuit. I doubt a lawyer is going to take up your case.
In this economy, if she really needed a job she would have agreed to change her hair.

???????????

What does that have to do with anything. Just because a person has dreadlocks doesn't mean they're not proffesional. I've seen Doctor's, Nurse's, Teachers, and business men/women with dreads. Who are you to determine what is proffesional . Let's watch what we say now. Do your research before you decide to make comment's like that. THANK YOU.

Oh noes! I have crossed the line by not researching. I have officially been called out on the internets. Are the professionalism police coming to take me away? Let me consult my professionalism handbook and make the world right again. Oh, look here. Thall shalt not post in all caps -- this conveys that you are yelling. Was I just getting yelled at over the internets? I must have been way out of line. I guess I should re-calibrate my moral compass.

I just didn't like the comment about since she is in College now, shouldn't she know about being proffesional by now. That's not cool. Anybody reading this outside of the membership boards would probably feel the same way. "Especially about the Al Sharpton comment."

Now let's talk about something else.

[Wormy]

Man, this thread has it all. Local news, corporate grooming policy, goatees, racial discrimination, shaving habits, mirrored sunglasses, cultural diversity, litigation, professional careers, marijuana use, Ricky Williams, Navy standards, scripture, cultural self-expression, dreadlock care, internet etiquette, dandruff, and hair color naturally occurring on humans. And that's just in two pages. Awesome! Let's see another fansite top that!

[Jonathan]

I'm actually incredibly surprised about how far this thread has gone without turning into what I expected it to turn into when I first saw it.

[Thriller]

All I can say is none of us have the true story about what happened that day at Carowinds. We all know Carowinds is not racist, just take a look around. The girl just wants to start some drama and that is all there is to this story. You either accept the rules of the position and get the job, or deny them and they fill your spot with someone that will obey company policies.

[coasterbruh]

Rules are rules and thats all there is to it. If she wanted the job, she should have agreed to change her hair style!

What do you know about dreadlocs? From that statement alone much. Its not like going from one pony tail to two. You just cannot change it in 5 minutes...

"Carowinds allows employees to have cornrows and braids because those styles fall into the category of "fresh and neat." according to
the WCNC.com article.

I guess this young lady feels that if she cuts her hair, she will basically be bald because she has to start over with new growth. For those of you that don't know, dread's are all
natural to the root of one's hair.

I know of many people who keep their dreadlocks clean and well groomed. Although cedar fair mention's dreadlocks in their grooming standards, that's just their rules. However, I don't see the diffrence in them compaired to braids and cornrolls being that you can make the same type of hairstyles. To me it's discrimination in a way, but not because of etnicity. There are plenty of african americans, caucasians, indian, latino's, asians etc.. of all walks of life that work at Carowinds. I wish everyone as well as Carowinds(cedar fair) can learn from this and change their grooming standards.

But let me clear this up, all dread's don't look good on everyone. Some look matted down, have an odor, and look dirty....LOL! But for those who keep them looking flawless & fashionable, the park needs to give them a chance. I feel the girl's approach to the situation was ok. She just wanted to make a stand on her rights.

I couldnt have said it better... I really dont understand why this is still a "rule" I feel the overall appearence is what matters. braids, cornrolls, all fall in the same category of dreadlocs to me. The times are changing and people are changing. Im not saying the park should let the floodgates go but realize no one is stuck in the 80's anymore.

In this economy, if she really needed a job she would have agreed to change her hair. Part of being employed is complying with the employer's policies and procedures. The girl is in college, right? Shouldn't she have learned about being professional by now?

Good luck with that lawsuit. I doubt a lawyer is going to take up your case.

Its not a 5 min process you do know right...what makes me upset is people who arent in the situation and are the majority always blow things off as "its nothing" or "comply or go". Its not like she is a few people in america who has this unheard of vodoo ritual hairstyle. I feel if I can be employeed by major corporations in america while having DREADLOCS then whats cedar fair excuse. So its ok for me to be a dreadloc having park patron spending my money but you will never hire me because im a dreadloc having applicant. And what does college has to do with anything. If YOU knew anything, college doesnt tell you to "cut off your dreads if you want to get ahead"...college teaches you that your merits are what counts and not so much your appearence. Its worked for me thus far...and trust me, she wouldnt have too much problems with finding someone to take this case up...

I think they are referring to how childish she is being. I'm willing to bet that Cedar Fair is not the only company with such a policy. She could have cut her hair to get the job, or not taken the job. In no way is it discrimination, and it was very childish to scream that and go to the news.

Another thought as to why they arent allowed, not trying to insinuate anything or make any assumptions, but lets also think what dreads are most commonly associated with.

Oh brother...its also childish to think that people should just "go with the flow". Cedar fair may not be the only company with the policy but really, she is applying for cedar fair. Ya know kids are the first to say "well timmy did it too"...does that make it right? ANd there you go with your sterotypes but im just gonna come out and say it while you are whispering in the dark...dreads are NOT associated with smoking weed. Most people look at it as their strenth as in the bible with the dude samson with the hair. Its like a lions mane to some.


If the park feels that people with dreadlocs arent good enough to work for them, even though they are qualified, I may have to consider my stance as a patron if I want to visit a park where I know I will never be able to work. It would be different if the park said "no gay people can work" then would we hear the "they should change" remarks? Nope...cause half the park (probably more) would be fired! I have to admit this subject hits home with me because I am a card carrying member of the dreadloc having crew lol. Some may say "its just a theme park job" but im sure its principle for this chick.

"Hair must be natural, clean, well-groomed and simply arranged"
I dont think your hair can be more natural than dreadlocs. No chemicals involved and my scalp is very exposed so its very need and arranged. Perming your hair is not natural, braiding your hair is not natural, coloring your hair is not natural...And for the record my hair IS clean and even starting them off you are able to WASH YOUR HAIR and keep your scalp clean...

I 100% do not think this is a black issue at all...now there is where they are reaching because I feel if any color came in with dreads they would be turned away...this is more a dreadloc comminuty ordeal...

My motto is "when in doubt dont shoot off your trap, just go to the source".

Oh yeah and the al sharpton comment...im not even gonna open up that can of worms because that may cause the boards to be shut down... (it just shows the mantality of some folks who have said questionable things in the past to make people second guess)!

Jarvis "never compromised his age, sex, religion, race, hair, weight, or anything for that matter to conform...and wont ever do it..." Morant

[aaronf1991]

*stands on the sidelines cheering Jarvis on* Well said!

[woot226]

The fact still remains that she didn't agree to follow the rules, therefore she didn't get the job. It doesn't matter why its a rule, It is not a government run company, therefore they can make their own rules. Such as not allowing anyone, including off duty officers, and even US marshalls carry a firearm while visiting the park. Its private property so they can do what they want.

woot226 wrote:
I think they are referring to how childish she is being. I'm willing to bet that Cedar Fair is not the only company with such a policy. She could have cut her hair to get the job, or not taken the job. In no way is it discrimination, and it was very childish to scream that and go to the news.

Another thought as to why they arent allowed, not trying to insinuate anything or make any assumptions, but lets also think what dreads are most commonly associated with.


ANd there you go with your sterotypes but im just gonna come out and say it while you are whispering in the dark...dreads are NOT associated with smoking weed.

If you would have completely read what I wrote, you would have noticed that I never said that. I also said that I wasn't trying to insinuate anything, maybe you should look the word up to know what it means? I merely said that one must also think what the majority of people think about when they see this hairstyle. You are the one who said something about weed,but since you brought it up, 9 times out 10, if you were to drug test 10 people with dreads, Over half of them would not pass. This may not be the case with with her, and I never said it was. In fact if you watch the video this appears to not be relevant, she appears to be a nice, friendly, clean young women.

Rules are there for a reason, whether people want to believe that or not. Such as the rule about not allowing guests to have long wallet chains, many don't like this, but don't realize that long chains are a safety hazard. The same as long hair, which can easily get caught in a number of different machines and cause injury or death. It would also be different if it was exclusive to dreadlocks, but it isn't, if you read, it talks about many different styles, and hair colors. It even limits fingernail polish. So to say that she is being discriminated against because of her hair is ridiculous.

[coasterbruh]

Dude get over yourself. I never you said crap. You know exactly what you ment when you insinuated (but wanna say you didn't want to insinuate) so I made it easier for you to say what you wanted to say...and show me the study of people with dreds and drug usage. I suggest you shut it before you seem even dumber than you are coming across. Fact dredlocs are a natural hairstyle. It doesn't get more natural than that.

Don't come back and say crap til you can come back with facts to back up claim about those dirty people with dreds...I'm dying to read your findings.