On June 11, 2025, Elijah Obeng, a former employee of In-N-Out Burger, filed a $3 million lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accusing the company of racial discrimination and wrongful termination based on his hairstyle. Obeng alleges that he faced repeated discipline, harassment, and eventual termination due to his culturally significant hairstyle, including braided hair and prominent sideburns.
The lawsuit claims violations under California’s CROWN Act, a law explicitly designed to prohibit workplace discrimination based on natural and culturally expressive hairstyles associated with race. Obeng asserts that his hair, reflecting his African American heritage, was unfairly targeted, resulting in emotional distress, loss of wages, and harm to his professional reputation.
In-N-Out allegedly cited violations of its grooming policy as grounds for disciplinary actions against Obeng, ultimately leading to his firing. However, Obeng’s lawsuit argues that the company’s policy enforcement was discriminatory, selectively targeting Black employees’ hairstyles while allowing similar hairstyles among employees of other racial groups.
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing legal challenges related to cultural expression in the workplace and tests the effectiveness and enforcement of California’s anti-discrimination laws, particularly the CROWN Act. The outcome could influence future company policies and workplace protections across the state, setting precedent for how employers must approach issues of cultural identity and personal grooming standards.
As the case progresses, it is likely to draw significant attention, both legally and socially, potentially shaping broader conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within California workplaces.
