Chian Weekes-Rivera, a Black police officer in New Jersey, has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Maplewood Police Department and one of her superiors. She claims that she was reprimanded for wearing her hair in a traditional protective African style. The lawsuit was filed in Essex County State Superior Court and alleges that Weekes-Rivera was subjected to disciplinary action for having Black hair, which violates the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
According to NBC News, Weekes-Rivera arrived at the Maplewood Police Department on August 20 with her hair styled in Bantu knots, a method where each section of hair is twisted around its base to create a spiral. In response, she claims that she faced disciplinary action for her hairstyle. The lawsuit names the township and Peter Kuenzel, a police captain and one of Weekes-Rivera’s supervisors, as defendants.
Weekes-Rivera received an Internal Affairs complaint 11 days after wearing the Bantu knots, stating that she had violated the department’s on-duty dress code. Additionally, her sergeants faced disciplinary action for not reprimanding her. This decision was upheld by Internal Affairs. Her attorney, John Coyle, argues that the department is trying to send a message that they will discriminate against Weekes-Rivera and hold others accountable for not discriminating against her.
Weekes-Rivera also mentions the case of Andrew Johnson, a Black varsity high school wrestler who was forced to cut his locs to participate in a competition in 2018. This incident prompted a state civil rights probe. She highlights New Jersey’s CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on hairstyles associated with race, including protective hairstyles.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ expenses, and compliance with state anti-discrimination laws. Weekes-Rivera also requests copies of any formal complaints about her hair and any department standards or instructions regarding hair styling for police officers. She has been on the force since 2012 and has a pending lawsuit against the department for its now-defunct COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
Weekes-Rivera’s attorney argues that a video titled “Sheroes of the Maplewood Police Department,” in which she appeared in 2021, demonstrates the department’s hypocrisy. The video praises the diversity of the community but allegedly comes after her when she wants to celebrate her heritage.
In conclusion, Chian Weekes-Rivera, a Black police officer in New Jersey, has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Maplewood Police Department and one of her superiors. She claims that she faced disciplinary action for wearing her hair in Bantu knots, which she considers a violation of her rights under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
