A former In-In-Out employee in Compton is suing the IN-N-Out burger chain for more than $3 million, claiming that he was treated discriminatoryly and was eventually fired for his hairstyle.
Elijah Obeng, 21, said he filed a lawsuit last Thursday in Compton Superior Court. He said he suffered emotional distress and reputation damages, accusing the company of unlawful firing, racism, harassment, intentional violation of emotional distress, harassment, discrimination and failure to prevent retaliation.
Oben, a black man, said he started working at Compton Restaurant after graduating from high school. However, during his employment, his management frequently dealt with Obeng’s lack of compliance with the employee’s dress code.
As Obeng’s hair grew longer, management told him to adhere to the company’s policies and make sure it is included in the hat, the suit said. Obeng began braiding his hair to comply with the policy, but the lawsuit states that he found humiliation and bias as the supervisor still told him he needed to remove his slut, which is part of his cultural identity.
After Obeng decided he would resist the hair policy, he began receiving different treatments. The lawsuit states that he was disciplined for issues that were overlooked when other employees committed.
Obeng’s work was also scrutinized, and he was denied the possibility of a promotion, the lawsuit further states.
Obeng’s supervisor sent him home on May 25, 2024 to remove his scrub. Rather than observing what he believed was discriminatory instructions, Obeng told his boss he would return for his next scheduled shift, according to the lawsuit.
Oben was fired a few days later and was told he was due to a previous article he was given, but the plaintiff believes that the real reason for his termination is to resist the alleged order of lawsuit, the lawsuit
situation.
NBC Los Angeles reached In-N-Out for comment.
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