Protecting Personal Style: Understanding the Importance of Including it as a Federally Protected Characteristic

Protecting Personal Style: Understanding the Importance of Including it as a Federally Protected Characteristic

Personal style is an integral part of an individual’s identity. It is something that is unique to each person and reflects their taste, preferences, and personality. However, for many people, personal style is much more than just a fashion statement – it is a critical aspect of their heritage, culture, and tradition.

Despite its significance, personal style has not been given the recognition it deserves when it comes to legal protection. Many individuals face discrimination based on their personal style choices, especially in workplaces, schools, and public places. To combat such discrimination, it is time to include personal style as a federally protected characteristic.

Federally Protected Characteristics

Currently, federal law prohibits discrimination based on certain protected characteristics, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, and disability. Discrimination against an individual on any of these grounds is a violation of federal law. However, personal style is not included in this list of federally protected characteristics, which means that individuals can face discrimination based on their style choices without any legal recourse.

When personal style is recognized as a federally protected characteristic, it would provide a legal basis to individuals who face discrimination based on their choice of clothing or accessories. Employers, landlords, and public places would no longer be able to discriminate against individuals based on their personal style, ensuring that everyone is treated equally.

Discrimination Based on Personal Style

Personal style discrimination is not a new phenomenon. Historically, marginalized communities, such as Black people, Indigenous people, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, have faced discrimination based on their personal style. For instance, Black people have been subjected to discrimination and profiling for wearing hoodies or baggy pants, which are often associated with gang culture.

Similarly, Indigenous people have been rebuked for wearing traditional headgear or tribal clothing, which is seen as non-conforming to mainstream society’s expectations. Furthermore, LGBTQIA+ individuals have been subjected to discrimination and exclusion for not conforming to stereotypical gender norms.

Protecting personal style as a federally protected characteristic would help individuals in these communities to preserve their culture, tradition, and heritage without fear of discrimination.

Conclusion

Personal style is an essential aspect of an individual’s identity and should be given legal protection. Discrimination based on personal style is harmful and can have long-lasting effects on individuals. By including personal style in federally protected characteristics, individuals would be protected from discrimination based on their style choices, ensuring that everyone is treated equally. It is time to recognize personal style as an essential component of our identity and provide equal legal protection to everyone.