$3.2 Million Lawsuit: Black Man Fired from In-N-Out Burger for Refusing to Trim His Sideburns

A Black individual has initiated a lawsuit against the California-based fast-food establishment In-N-Out Burger, alleging racial discrimination following his termination for refusing to alter his African-American hairstyle. Elijah Obeng, 21, began his employment with In-N-Out Burger in Irvine shortly after graduating high school in June 2020. Initially, his natural hairstyle aligned with the chain's grooming rules, which mandate male staff to be clean-shaven while wearing company hats covering all hair. However, as Obeng's hair length increased, he was instructed to either cut it or modify it to fit entirely beneath the hat, ultimately resorting to braiding his hair. A supervisor later demanded he also remove his sideburns. Feeling humiliated and perceiving this as a compromise of his cultural identity, Obeng refused. His lawsuit alleges he faced disparate treatment, receiving reprimands for minor infractions, harsher scrutiny, and being denied promotions. Following an incident on May 25, 2024, Obeng was shortly thereafter terminated. He claims his firing was motivated by his hairstyle and noncompliance with what he deems discriminatory policies, violating California’s CROWN Act, and seeks $3.2 million in damages.