If it weren't enough that we have a mega uproar over women wearing too much clothing in the workplace, we now have one the very same week about too little of it!
Imane Boudlal wants to dress piously and wear a hijab at work as a hostess at Storyteller's Caf in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It's too much, doesn't jive with our culture and people want her to take it off...
Ines Sainz wears form fitting jeans and tops that pop cleavage while conducting interviews with athletes who do the hubba hubba behind her back. She's asking for it, right? According to a lot of public opinion I have read today - that answer would be yes.
Apart from the fact there is clear civil rights protection against unlawful workplace discrimination - that covers dress associated with a particular religion, aren't we all aware of protection against sexual harassment and responsibility to govern our own actions?
In regard to Imane wearing a hijab versus Mickey Mouse Ears (or whatever her co-workers wear)... If religious wear is not a potential safety hazard or there isn't some other compelling reason it could impede one's ability to effectively perform work - no one should feel compelled to call the fashion police. I understand uniforms (please.. I was a scout and in the military) and know that if someone needs to wear something that important to them, there are other parts of the uniform that can still be worn to clearly identify them as part of the team.
Concerning Ines, frankly it's really not about her at all. She is employed by TV Azteca - and they are responsible for setting a dress code and ensuring employees follow it. If they are OK with how she dresses then there is no issue. The players have contracts with the Jets and as an organization they are responsible for the conduct of their players. It doesn't matter if it is a football field or locker room - it's no different than working in any other environment - professional conduct is a must. I'll gander that harassing others on Jets' time isn't Kosher.
Regardless of how Ines was dressed, it is not an EXCUSE for inappropriate conduct by others (let's be real) - and the conduct was very inappropriate. That is why there was a public apology by the team management. And, it doesn't matter that she was in the dressing room - that's where reporters go to interview team members all the time. Before the opposite sex enters a dressing room it is announced so everyone has time to put clothes on. A locker room is just a room like any other as long as the rules for conduct are observed. Yes - male reporters go into women's locker rooms to report. They go in with cameras just like this reporter did in the men's locker room.
Let me reiterate just once more time for kicks and giggles... Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
It is no wonder the EEOC is a busy place.
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