Man Says Airline Denied Him a Job Due to Tattoos
By: Michael C. Fehn
Updated: February 20, 2013
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission has issued a ruling in the case of a
man who says he was denied an interview with Republic Airways, because
of his tattoos.
The investigation began in May of 2012 after the man said he was denied an interview for a flight attendant position because of tattoos on his forearms. According to the ICRC, the issue at hand is whether he was denied an interview based on his gender. ICRC director, Akia Haynes says, "Records show that female employees were permitted to sign a waver indicating they would agree to conceal their tattoos. However, the alleging party was informed he was not eligible to sign this waiver."?
The Civil Rights Commission says, according to the evidence, the man was, in fact, qualified for the position, and that the tattoos would have been concealed under the airline's required uniform.
Even though the commission has found probable cause exists to believe a discriminatory practice occurred, a public hearing would be needed to determine if Indiana's Civil Rights Law was violated. Both sides have 20 days to agree to have the matter heard in Circuit or Superior Court, otherwise, the ICRC Administrative Law Judge will hear the case.
The investigation began in May of 2012 after the man said he was denied an interview for a flight attendant position because of tattoos on his forearms. According to the ICRC, the issue at hand is whether he was denied an interview based on his gender. ICRC director, Akia Haynes says, "Records show that female employees were permitted to sign a waver indicating they would agree to conceal their tattoos. However, the alleging party was informed he was not eligible to sign this waiver."?
The Civil Rights Commission says, according to the evidence, the man was, in fact, qualified for the position, and that the tattoos would have been concealed under the airline's required uniform.
Even though the commission has found probable cause exists to believe a discriminatory practice occurred, a public hearing would be needed to determine if Indiana's Civil Rights Law was violated. Both sides have 20 days to agree to have the matter heard in Circuit or Superior Court, otherwise, the ICRC Administrative Law Judge will hear the case.
