Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Connecticut

Gender bias in the enforcement of company dress code

The company I work for has a dress code- white collared shirt with tie for men and bow tie for women. My manager enforces only on men. I have been sent home from work 3 times because I wasn't wearing a white shirt. Problem-the women I work with are never even talked to when they do not comply. Also, many instances of men not wearing white shirt or tie not being sent home, scolded,etc. Over past month, have documented over 50 instances of this behavior by my manager. Do I have any legal course under Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964? Any other options?


Asked on 12/15/97, 12:16 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Jonathan Schiff Self employed

Company dress code

From your question, it is difficult to know exactly what is going on at your worksite. It would appear that your manager is more capricious than anything else if he is singling you out for harsher treatment than the women and even other men. I would certainly want to know more about the pattern of enforcement here.

You didn't mention if there is a union or contract or, for that matter, a civil service system in place, the size of your workplace or whether public, private or religious organization. If you are being set up for a job action your contract and/or union may be the way to go. I would certainly recommend that if you have a union representative, you seek that person out. Otherwise send more info if you can citing specifics of who, besides yourself, has been disciplined for not complying with the dress code and how many haven't of both sexes. It might be helpful if you included the kind of non-compliance (for instance, not wearing tie, not wearing white shirt, not wearing any shirt!! etc)

If you believe a job action is imminent see either your union steward or consult with a lawyer in your locality immediately.

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Answered on 12/17/97, 8:00 pm


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