Banana Republic Employee Reprimanded For Box Braids; Store Manager Terminated

For many women, braiding or weaving their hair is a protective measure to ensure their natural hair and its vitality is preserved.⠀

19-year old Destiny Tompkins is an employee of Banana Republic at the Westhester Mall in White Plains, New York.  The SUNY student took to Facebook last week to vent about her discriminatory experience at work.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The district manager paid a visit to the store prompting an impromptu sit down with Tompkins manager about “dress code.” Upon further discussion, the store manager , Michael allegedly told Tompkins her box braids were too “urban” and “unkept.” It didn’t align with Banana Republic’s image. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

After explaining the need for the protective styling, the manager allegedly told her that she should use Shea butter.  In the social media post, Tompkins details that she was taken off the schedule until her box braids were removed. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Since the incident, the manger has been terminated and BR issued a statement. Per BR’s spokeswoman Sheikina Liverpool: “This week, one of our store managers questioned an African American employee’s braided hair style. Our team began an immediate investigation and the manager involved was promptly removed from the store. Today we concluded the investigation and can confirm that the manager has been terminated from the company. Banana Republic has zero tolerance for discrimination. This situation was completely unacceptable, counter to our policies, and in no way reflects our company’s beliefs and values.”