June 11, 2025 – The Public Interest Law Center has filed an employment discrimination complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) on behalf of Bariq Fluellen, a 12-year veteran Philadelphia firefighter who has been the target of racial harassment and threats due to his hairstyle. The complaint alleges that the Philadelphia Fire Department’s (PFD) grooming policy discriminates against Black firefighters by effectively banning protective and culturally significant hairstyles such as locs, even if they do not pose a safety concern. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) explicitly defines race to include traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles, making PFD’s continued enforcement of this policy a violation of state law.
Mr. Fluellen has served in the PFD since 2013 and has worn his hair in locs for years. His hairstyle holds deep meaning for him as a Black man and a Rastafarian. Despite meeting all fire safety standards while wearing locs, Firefighter Fluellen has been singled out, harassed, and threatened with discipline under PFD’s arbitrary and discriminatory policy. Fluellen has been mocked in group chats and warned that his hairstyle could cost him a promotion. PFD leadership and Human Resources have been repeatedly informed of the harassment but have taken no steps to address the issue or reform the policy.
“My hair is a reflection of my authentic self—as a Black man, as a firefighter, and as someone who’s proud of my culture,” said Mr. Fluellen. “Being told that I don’t belong or that I’m unsafe simply because of how I wear my hair is deeply painful. I’ve earned my place in this department, and I shouldn’t have to choose between my profession and my identity.”
Key facts from the complaint include:
- PFD’s policy restricts hair that exceeds 2 inches in bulk on the top of the head and 1.5 inches on the sides or back, disproportionately impacting hairstyles commonly worn by Black individuals such as locs, braids, cornrows, or an Afro.
- Fluellen has passed every SCBA respirator fit test required by the Department, including in 2025, proving that his hairstyle does not interfere with safety equipment. The SCBA, or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, is a type of respirator worn by firefighters in hazardous air conditions.
- Fluellen was repeatedly harassed by a supervisor, including by being taunted in front of his peers and being threatened with disciplinary action.
- He has experienced a hostile work environment across multiple fire stations.
- The Fire Department was aware of the issue through internal reports, direct communication, and firsthand observation but failed to take corrective action.
“This policy, by PFD’s own admission, serves no legitimate safety purpose. We cannot allow it to be used as a tool of racial discrimination,” said Mimi McKenzie, the Legal Director of the Public Interest Law Center. “When an employee meets every performance and safety standard but is still targeted because of their hair, it is clear the policy is not about safety—it is about exclusion and control.”
The complaint seeks to end the enforcement of the discriminatory policy, the adoption of a grooming policy that accommodates cultural and protective hairstyles, and compensatory damages for the emotional distress, professional harm, and pain and suffering Mr. Fluellen has experienced.
“This is about more than hair, it is about dignity and the right to exist in a public institution without being targeted for one’s identity,” said Olivia Mania, attorney and Penn Carey Law Catalyst Fellow at the Law Center. “We are proud to support Mr. Fluellen’s fight for fairness and accountability.”
The Public Interest Law Center remains committed to challenging racially discriminatory practices in employment and advocating for policies that reflect equity, dignity, and inclusion.
