Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Illinois
''Casual day''
Every day at my job is casual day. Nearly everyone in the office, daily, wears jeans, jean shorts, khaki shorts, tennis shoes, cutoff ''muscle'' shirts, etc. I am new to the company and I just recently graduated from a local University. After 3 months of dressing nicely, I decided I wanted to fit in and feel less like I was trying to be ''super employee.'' So, I decided to wear jeans 2-3 days a week. After one week of doing such, I was immediately reprimanded and told that the CFO passed it down to my boss to pass down to me that I need to dress professionally because I am too young in my career. In other words, he doesn't want a young ''punk'' working with him. Everyone else is allowed jean shorts and muscle shirts, but I have to wear nice business casual clothing every day, making me feel like a complete outcast. I was also told that once I have established myself in the company, I can dress like everyone else. In other words, after I work for 2-3 years, I can dress like everyone else (even though other newcomers, such as a new secretary, wears jeans and t-shirts regularly).
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: ''Casual day''
Disparities in requirements for work attire don't fall under any category for discrimination unless the dress requirements are connected to gender, age, race, etc. It does not sound like you are being singled out based on any of the categories addressed in either the state or federal discrimination laws, so you probably aren't going to get too far with this.
Also, what are your damages? That you have to dress nicer and appear more professional than your colleagues? Do you think a court is going to award you money for this? You should be grateful someone is looking out for you and trying to help mold your professional career, instead of whining about how you don't get to wear shorts to work.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
