The UAB Child Development Center has provided childcare services to UAB employees since 1995.
Photo by Sufia Alam, Editor in Chief
Myles Womack
Managing Editor
[email protected]
On Thursday, July 25, Felicia Layton, junior in kinesiology and employee of one of the university’s daycares, UAB Child Development Center, was sent home midway through her shift due to her appearance.
According to her supervisor, Layton was violating the dress code policy because her hair was wrapped in a headscarf. Layton was told if she did not fix her hair (implying her to straighten it by a flat iron by the next day) she would be fired.
Layton has been an employee of theChild Development Center since October 2017.
“I feel like the rule is belittling and racist,” Layton said. “First of all, it’s not ok because the rule was made only for a specific group of people. You’re not going to tell a Caucasian person not to wear a headwrap to work.”
Later that day, Layton decided to share on her Facebook timeline her mishap at the Center. Since then, the post has reached over 1000 likes.
Layton shared her status on Thursday, July 25, 10:20 a.m..
Layton said she was unaware of there being a dress code policy against headwear and the “rule” was recently sent out a week ago and is “word of mouth” as of now.
“I have not seen it in any policy,” Layton said. “I have not seen a policy besides the regular UAB, overall campus policy. Even if I did see it and I just don’t remember seeing it, I have not signed my name on anything.”
Currently, the UAB Faculty Handbook does not have any specific written policy about grooming or hair expectations.The handbook for faculty and staff only states employees must adhere to special dress standards or uniforms that have been established in patient care areas or in any other department or unit at UAB.
UAB was also reached out for inquiry regarding Layton’s post.
“We are aware of this post and are looking into it now to gather facts,” said Paulette Dilworth, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in a written statement. “We take concerns like these seriously and will take appropriate action based on our findings. As an institution, UAB is committed to advancing diversity as a core value and to promoting an inclusive campus with respect and dignity for our faculty, staff and students.”
According to Layton’s recently updated Facebook post, she has been contacted by the Human Resources Department at UAB.
