At Six Flags, the Don'ts of Dos; Employees Say Their Ethnic Hairstyles Are Challenged as 'Extreme,' and They've Complained to ACLU

Aug 19, 2008 16:10:55

The Washington Post; Jun 17, 2006; Avis Thomas-Lester - Washington Post Staff Writer; 1,246 WordsIt's right there, under "Extreme Hairstyles," in the 2006 seasonal handbook for ... restrictions on ethnic and Africa-inspired hairstyles and beards. "This is culturally very ... county where many people consider such hairstyles a point of ethnic pride and few consider ...

It's right there, under "Extreme Hairstyles," in the 2006 seasonalhandbook for Six Flags America employees: no dreadlocks, tails,partially shaved heads "or any hairstyle that detracts or takes awayfrom Six Flags theming."

Braids "must be in neat, even rows and without beads or otherornaments," the amusement park handbook advises.

That prompted Tim Bivins, 18, who has worked at Six Flags Americain Largo for two years, to cut several inches off his hair thisspring and pay $50 to have it braided into cornrows. Not good enough,he was told. Cut the braids shorter or go home.

Shannon Boyd, 17, bought a wig to cover the locks she sports underher Tweety Bird costume. Not appropriate, she was ...