Two Black Teens Rejected for Six Flags Jobs Over So-Called ‘Extreme Hairstyles’

A Texas teenager said he was denied a job at Six Flags because of his hair, ABC affiliate WFAA reports.

Brandon Kobe Pierce grew up visiting the Six Flags in Arlington, Texas, close to his home. When he set out to find his first real job, he thought the amusement park would be a good choice, particularly since his grandfather had worked there decades ago. Connie Pierce, Kobe’s mom, told WFAA, “We encouraged him to go to Six Flags.”

The 16-year-old wears his hair in a braid that sits just past his shoulders, something that he sees as part of his identity. However, Six Flags didn't see it that way. “They pulled me aside at the end of it and said, ‘You would have to cut your hair or we can't hire you at Six Flags,’” Pierce said.

He asked if he had any other options, and was told that though women employees could wear their long hair in a bun, men didn’t have that choice. “If girls are able to pull their hair back and have it long, then guys shouldn't have to cut their hair,” Pierce said.

Another Texas teen also had a similar experience. Kerion Washington told NBC DFW that after an interview with Six Flags, he was told his shoulder-length dreadlocks would have to go. “They told me that I couldn’t have dreads because it’s more of an extreme hairstyle,” the 17-year-old told the news outlet.

Kerion’s mother Karis Washington subsequently called Six Flags’ Human Resources department for an explanation. Karis shared in a Facebook post. “[An HR Supervisor] said dreads are NOT allowed, but he can have braids. And said they are an extreme hairstyle. She also went on and compared them to tattoos and piercings.”

Six Flags presented a statement to WFAA, maintaining its decision: